President Milanović Hosts Slovak President Pellegrini

Slovak President Peter Pellegrini arrived in Croatia on Tuesday for an official visit. 

He first met with Croatian President Zoran Milanović, followed by meetings with Parliament Speaker Gordan Jandroković and Prime Minister Andrej Plenković.

After their meeting, President Milanović addressed the media, emphasizing the friendly ties between the two countries.

"Our countries have friendly relations without any open issues. I believe the Slovak community in Croatia is doing well and enjoys the same rights as all citizens. Our relations were strong even during the most difficult times — the war — which was a moment of truth when many masks fell. There was never a mask on the face of Croatian Slovaks," Milanović said, adding that he looked forward to a return visit to Slovakia.

President Pellegrini thanked Milanović for the warm welcome and expressed his support for Croatia’s efforts to join the OECD.

"I fully support Croatia becoming a member of the OECD," Pellegrini said. He also discussed Slovakia’s energy challenges and ongoing cooperation with Croatia.

"After the interruption of transit from Russia, Slovakia was left without gas and oil supplies. I’m glad there is a dialogue about using the LNG terminal on Krk and the services this gas pipeline offers," he said.

The two presidents also attended the opening of the Croatian-Slovak Economic Forum, where representatives from leading companies in both countries are exploring new business opportunities.

"I’m pleased we are opening an economic forum with 29 Slovak companies from various sectors. This will further strengthen our relations," Pellegrini said.

Asked about the war in Ukraine, both leaders called for more dialogue.

"We can point the finger at Russia — and we should — but at the same time there is a spectacular generation of incompetent people doing harm," Milanović said, criticizing the lack of engagement between Western leaders and Moscow.

Pellegrini added that Slovakia wants to see swift peace negotiations and does not believe sending more weapons to Ukraine will end the conflict.

"Defeating Russia militarily is impossible. The end of the war depends on NATO and the United States — whether they can find common ground with Russia and reach a ceasefire and a post-war settlement. I would welcome this kind of thinking among EU leaders," Pellegrini said.