President Milanović Meets with the President of Iran: Recognition of the State of Israel would ease tensions in the Middle East

The President of the Republic of Croatia Zoran Milanović held a meeting during the current UN General Assembly session in New York City with the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Ebrahim Raisi, at his initiative. The meeting confirmed the historically good bilateral relations between Croatia and Iran, based on mutual respect and appreciation for mutual differences.

President Milanović highlighted during the conversation that Croatia is a committed member of the European Union and NATO, which are not only associations of common interests, but also of common values, and that this does not rule out the need for cooperation and development of bilateral relations with third countries. The President of the Republic believes that at this time of crisis for the international community, when world peace is seriously threatened, it is important to pursue dialogue and look for areas of mutual understanding, and avoid imposing one’s own values on others.

President Milanović said that better understanding between countries requires developed contacts and diplomatic relations, and that mutual recognition and respect are particularly important. In that context, the President inquired about the reasons why Iran had not recognized the State of Israel and expressed his belief that Iran’s recognition of Israel would certainly help ease tensions in the Middle East, while stressing that Croatia and Israel are friendly countries that cooperate closely. For the same reason, President Milanović particularly emphasized during the conversation the need to recognise Kosovo in order to promote peace and international order in Southeast Europe.

At the meeting, President Milanović also expressed his regret due to the failure of the JCPOA agreement, which as a mechanism was beneficial to both Iran and the international community.

President Milanović was particularly interested in the process of normalization of relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia, which by all means contributes to peace and stability in the Middle East.

President Raisi invited President Milanović to visit the Islamic Republic.

PHOTO: Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia / Ana Marija Katić