Plenković: Croatian community in the US plays an important role in strengthening ties

Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković has praised the Croatian community in the United States for its contribution to both American society and Croatia, stressing the importance of maintaining strong ties between the diaspora and the homeland.

"Your role as Croats here in the USA is exceptionally important. Regardless of whether you are first, third or fourth generation, your contribution is immense," Plenković said at a reception for the Croatian community in New York.

He said Croatia had strengthened its ties with the diaspora through the work of the Central State Office for Croats Abroad and the Ministry of Demography and Immigration, as well as through the efforts of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs and the Croatian government as a whole.

The prime minister said the state's role was to structure cooperation with the diaspora as effectively as possible and create opportunities for everyone to contribute. He noted that many members of the Croatian community hold influential and respected positions in various fields, particularly in the United States.

A bridge between the diaspora and the homeland

Plenković thanked members of the Croatian community for their work and encouraged them to continue strengthening their ties with Croatia.

"Not only by nurturing our identity, culture, values, heritage, history and language—everything that makes us Croats—but also through what you do in the societies where you are well integrated, you represent a bridge between the Croatian diaspora and the homeland," he said.

He also recalled a message associated with Croatia's first president, Franjo Tuđman, that the unity of the homeland and the Croatian diaspora makes Croatia stronger and more influential.

Plenković thanked Croatian Ambassador to the United States Ivan Šimonović, as well as everyone involved in organizing the reception, for their hospitality.

Business forum to strengthen US-Croatia ties

The prime minister also expressed satisfaction with a business forum held in New York, saying it would contribute to strengthening economic ties between Croatia and the United States.

He highlighted trade between the two countries, saying it amounted to almost one billion US dollars in the first six months of this year.

Plenković also pointed to the liquefied natural gas terminal in Croatia, noting that almost two-thirds of the LNG shipments received by Croatia so far have originated in the United States.

"This energy cooperation, together with long-term, multi-year cooperation in the field of defence, represents the backbone of our relations," he said.

At the same time, he stressed the importance of diversifying bilateral cooperation and said US partners were increasingly recognizing Croatia's potential in other areas.

"In this regard, the role of Croats in the United States of America is very important," Plenković said, pointing to Croatia's achievements and positive economic indicators.