Grabar-Kitarović for Dialogue with Russia

President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović stated in Sofia on Wednesday that the policy of dialogue is the only way for relations between Russia and Western countries and emphasized that the time has come for the normalization of relations between the two sides based on international law and mutual respect.

“If you treat someone as an opponent, they will soon start behaving that way,” the president highlighted at a press conference after meeting with Bulgarian President Rumen Radev in Sofia, where she is on a one-day visit.

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Croatia has joined a number of Western countries that have denied hospitality to Russian diplomats due to the poisoning of former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter in the English city of Salisbury, for which London accused Moscow. Russia reacted reciprocally to the expulsion of its diplomats.

“To resolve any disputes and issues, they need to be discussed. I see Russia as a strong state, a world power with which, in any case, apart from these mutual disputes, we must continue to talk about many other issues,” said Grabar-Kitarović, mentioning issues of international security, terrorism, radicalization, and other threats faced by the two blocs.

She emphasized that economic interests are also an important component and that she will always advocate for opening new markets for the Croatian economy.

“We have a number of issues that we are currently addressing, from Agrokor, thus the issues of Russian banks, to the issue of air pollution in Slavonski Brod, and I will absolutely insist on continuing discussions on these topics,” said the president and expressed confidence that the Russian side would also show readiness for further talks.

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“Russia is certainly a strong player in Southeast Europe,” the president added, reminding that Moscow is one of the countries responsible for implementing peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Support for the Skripal Case Investigation

“It is time to move towards normalizing relations based on respect for all postulates of international law and mutual respect, but in any case, taking into account the future security of the European continent and generally international relations across the board,” said the president and emphasized her strong support for the investigation of the Skripal case and her expectation of its results, as well as that Croatia respects the sanctions system and European rules.

Bulgarian President Rumen Radev emphasized that Bulgaria, as the presidency of the European Council in this half-year, must implement a policy of dialogue and balance.

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“I want to emphasize that Bulgaria is a loyal member of the European Union and NATO, but these are alliances based on certain values, one of which is transparency,” Radev stated, who is often perceived as a leader inclined towards Russia.

“In order to take the next steps, we need to obtain clear and indisputable evidence,” concluded the Bulgarian president, whose country is one of those that did not expel Russian diplomats from the country.