“I believe the topics on the EPC Summit agenda clearly reflect the current global situation and major European issues,” Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković stated ahead of the European Political Community (EPC) summit in Yerevan.

He said it was a positive signal for the host country and the Prime Minister.

“I think it’s a very strong message to Armenia. The fact that European political cooperation is taking place in Yerevan for the first time is an important signal. The EU-Armenia Summit also sends a significant message to Armenia. I believe the topics on the agenda clearly reflect the current global situation and major European issues, whether it is competitiveness, connectivity, energy, technological advancement, or migration. It is a very positive signal for the host country and the Prime Minister,” Andrej Plenković has said.

In response to a Georgian journalist’s question, “How do you envision the importance of the Middle Corridor? Georgia is one of the key players in this route. How do you see its role?” the Croatian Prime Minister replied:

“Well, I just came from a week when Croatia hosted a summit of the grouping of countries called the Three Seas Initiative, 13 members of the European Union from Central and Eastern Europe. It links the Baltic, the Black Sea, and the Adriatic. One of the main points was that this part of Europe, which is in a way the eastern and southern flank of the European Union, needs to strengthen cooperation with other parts of the world. Two ways to do this are through the Middle Corridor, which is very important for you, and also the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor. Both were mentioned extensively. I believe that transportation of energy and goods, opening transit routes, and investing in relevant infrastructure are critically important for development and peace in this part of Europe. It’s also vital for all the states involved.”

In response to the question, “Do you think it is important to have a direct dialogue with Georgia, as the only country on this border in the South Caucasus?” the Croatian Prime Minister stated that Croatia and Georgia have enjoyed very good cooperation over the years.

“Croatia and Georgia have had very good cooperation over the years. We have supported Georgia’s aspirations for Europe, and that was very clear. I have done this personally as Prime Minister for ten years, previously as a Member of the European Parliament and in other functions. I believe that when the Georgian government and people decide that the European path is their future and make a clear commitment, some requirements will follow, and then the process can be restarted,” Croatian PM concluded.