Foreign Minister discusses Middle East crisis with Algerian counterpart

Foreign Minister Gordan Grlić Radman met with his Algerian counterpart, Ahmed Attaf, in Zagreb today to discuss the ongoing crisis in the Middle East and to strengthen cooperation on energy between the two countries. 

The talks took place during Attaf’s official visit to Croatia and were followed by a joint press conference.

During the briefing, Minister Grlić Radman also addressed Israel’s controversial decision to block Jerusalem’s Catholic cardinal from leading Palm Sunday Mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, a move that triggered international criticism.

“I have been in contact with my Israeli counterpart, Gideon Sa’ar, as well as with members of the Croatian clergy who reported being denied access to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre,” Minister Grlić Radman said. “Minister Sa’ar admitted that a mistake had been made and assured me it would be corrected today.”

The ministers highlighted the importance of regional stability and energy security amid global tensions. Croatia and Algeria are exploring closer collaboration in the energy sector, including renewable sources, to bolster both national and European energy resilience.

The discussions come at a time of heightened geopolitical uncertainty, with the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and its ripple effects on Europe’s energy markets. Both countries emphasized the need for dialogue and coordinated action to address these challenges.