By Abdul Karimkhanov

Copyright trend

BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 23. During his
visit to the United States, Minister of Foreign and European
Affairs of Croatia Gordan Grlić Radman met with members of the
Croatian community in New York and New Jersey, Trend reports.

He visited the Croatian parish of St. Cyril and Methodius and
St. Raphael, the Croatian Cultural Club Cardinal Stepinac, the
“Croatian Homeland” Club in New Jersey, the Club of Bosnian Croats,
as well as Istrian clubs in New York.

On this occasion, the Minister emphasized the important role
that Croatian parishes, cultural societies, and clubs play in
preserving the faith, language, culture, and identity of Croats in
the diaspora. He expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and the
dedication with which the Croatian spirit is nurtured and the name
of the Homeland promoted far beyond its borders.

At the Croatian parish of St. Cyril and Methodius and St.
Raphael, the Minister, in his speech, reminded that Croatia is open
to all generations of Croats around the world – from the first to
the fourth – offering a welcome to all who wish to visit or return
to the Homeland. He stressed that the Croatian Government is
implementing support projects for returnees, including financial
incentives and tax benefits, with the aim of strengthening ties
with the diaspora.

“The Government of the Republic of Croatia continues to work
diligently on preserving ties with Croatian communities worldwide,”
the Minister emphasized, underlining in particular Croatia’s
lasting care and commitment to the equality and political rights of
Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina, so that they may elect their
legitimate representatives.

During a reception organized by the Consulate General of the
Republic of Croatia, Minister Grlić Radman reiterated the
importance of unity, emphasizing that Croats in the diaspora are
true bridges between the Homeland and the United States, and the
best ambassadors of the Croatian people and state. He added that
the Government of the Republic of Croatia continues to tirelessly
strengthen the international standing of the country. He recalled
that an Agreement on the Avoidance of Double Taxation has been
signed with the United States, whose ratification is expected in
the Senate, which will make life and business easier for emigrants
and further consolidate strong ties with the Homeland.

In the coming days, Minister Grlić Radman will, in addition to
attending the ceremonial opening of the UN General Assembly session
in New York, participate in a series of multilateral events,
including the high-level meeting marking the 80th anniversary of
the United Nations, the ministerial meeting of Adriatic-Ionian
Initiative member states, the commemoration of the 30th anniversary
of the Fourth World Conference on Women, as well as meetings within
the framework of the European Union and the EU-CELAC.