Grlić Radman on strengthening relations and ties with Croatians in Canada

The Croatian Foreign and European Affairs Minister visited Canada from September 26 to 28, 2026. During his stay in Canada, he met with the Croatian community in Montreal and Oakville, highlighting its important role in preserving Croatian identity, culture, and heritage, as well as in strengthening Croatian-Canadian relations.

During his stay in Canada, Foreign and European Affairs Minister Gordan Grlić Radman met with the Croatian community in Montreal and Oakville, highlighting its important role in preserving Croatian identity, culture, and heritage, as well as in strengthening Croatian-Canadian relations.

In Oakville, he met with Croatian priests, nuns, and the Croatian community, using the occasion to congratulate them on the 50th anniversary of the Holy Trinity Croatian Catholic Parish.

In Montreal he attended the opening of a Croatian consulate for the province of Quebec, where he introduced the newly appointed Honorary Consul of the Republic of Croatia, Isabella Komšić, congratulating her on assuming office and expressing strong support for her future work. The ceremony, which was also attended by members of the consular corps and representatives of the government of the province of Quebec, was held at the St. Nicholas Tavelic Croatian Catholic Parish, one of the centers of spiritual and social life for the Croatian community in Montreal.

For her part Komšić pointed out that the role of an honorary consul is to connect Croatian and Canadian interests, nurture and strengthen their ties, be at the service of Croatian citizens, and promote a positive image of Croatia. She specifically emphasized that Canadians already recognize Croatia as a beautiful and safe European country, but also that Croatia can offer much more than tourism. According to her, there are numerous economic opportunities that can further connect Croatia and Canada and open doors for stronger cooperation.

"It is a great honor for me that the Minister personally handed me the letter of appointment as the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Croatia in Montreal. I will proudly represent Croatia in Quebec," Komšić said.

As part of the visit, Minister Grlić Radman met with the Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Anita Anand, with whom he discussed support for Ukraine, EU-Canada relations, and the situation in the Western Balkans. Minister Grlić Radman highlighted Croatia's experience in humanitarian demining and its contribution to Ukraine's recovery, and welcomed the Canadian initiative to establish the Ukrainian Veterans Fund. He also highlighted Croatia's support for Ukraine's path toward EU membership and readiness to transfer Croatian experiences in demining, peaceful reintegration, veteran care, and the issue of missing persons.

Speaking about the Western Balkans, he emphasized Croatia's support for the European and Euro-Atlantic integration of those countries, along with the importance of reforms, the rule of law, and good neighborly relations. He also met with the Minister for Human and Minority Rights of Montenegro, Fatmir Gjeka, with whom he discussed that country's European path and the position of the indigenous Croatian minority in Montenegro.

Organized by the Canadian-Croatian Chamber of Commerce, the Minister participated in a dinner where he highlighted the important role of the Chamber in connecting the Croatian and Canadian business communities. He emphasized the potential for stronger economic cooperation, particularly in defense, energy, advanced technologies, and critical infrastructure, as well as the opportunities Croatia provides to Canadian investors.

Source: HRT