Juan David Latorre
Last Wednesday, the Croatian ambassador offered a reception on the occasion of the National Day of the Republic of Croatia at the Illustrious College of Physicians in Madrid.
“The date of 30 May 1990, 35 years ago, when the first multi-party, democratically elected parliament was constituted, continued the ambassador, was one of the key dates for the establishment of modern Croatia and represents not only a moment to recall the history, but, above all, an opportunity to look forward with hope and commitment to the values that define our modern society.”
The ambassador then recalled the 33 years of diplomatic relations between Croatia and Spain. “Today, 33 years later, we recall the international recognition of Croatia, but we also remember the impetus and motivation that came from the recognition of each state in the midst of the war circumstances in our country.
“The history of Croatia in more than three decades of independence and more than a decade as a member of the European Union, is a history of vision, boldness, courage and progress. It is also a story about the transformative power of the European Union and, It is therefore of the utmost importance that the doors of the European Union remain open to those countries which, through their commitment to the values of democracy and the rule of law and their own political will, are prepared to follow this path. In the two crises, the largest that affected the European Union in the history of European integration, the pandemic and the Russian aggression against Ukraine, the European Union showed an unprecedented great institutional solidarity and unity that we need today. More than ever, in this changing world.
Nives Malenica pointed out that bilateral relations with Spain “have intensified at all institutional levels, culminating in the visit of Their Majesties the Kings to Zagreb and later of Queen Letizia to Croatia. Relations between the two countries flow in all directions, and tourism and sport have contributed strongly to mutual recognition and a new connection between the two shores of the Mediterranean”.
“Since the accession of Croatia to the European Union in 2013, there has been a steady increase in the number of Croatian citizens residing in Spain, which has increased fivefold since 2013. This phenomenon reflects the dynamism and vitality of our cultural, European and Mediterranean ties. Today, about 5,500 Croatian citizens live in Spain, of whom approximately 1,100 reside in the Community of Madrid. In this context, I cannot fail to mention the most beloved Croat in Spain, Luka Modrić, whose exemplary career has been a source of pride for all of us”, said the ambassador.
He briefly stopped Nives Malenica “at the time we live today”, noting that “global concerns, from major conflicts, human rights and environmental protection, migration, economic instability, cybersecurity or arms proliferation, require a unified and multilateral response and stronger coalitions than ever before. That is why we need and want a strong, united Europe to face the new global challenges. Our European Union is not only a union of interests, but is primarily a community of values in which we have the privilege to live today and it is necessary to continue building it with dedication for future generations who will value our efforts from a historical perspective”.
To conclude the official nature of the event, the Croatian ambassador introduced young Croatian guitarist Filip Mišković, has won over forty awards in national and international guitar competitions and has performed at prestigious venues such as the Musikverein in Vienna and Kings Place in London.
