Introduction: A Historic first for Philippines-Croatia ties
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. formally welcomed Croatia’s Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Gordan Grlić Radman, to the Philippines for the first-ever official visit by a Croatian foreign minister. The courtesy call at Malacañan Palace on Tuesday, October 14, underscored a moment many observers view as the opening of a broader partnership rooted in shared values, mutual respect for international law, and a mutual interest in expanding cooperation across multiple sectors.
Marcos frames the visit as a “new chapter”
Speaking to the Croatian envoy and his delegation, President Marcos expressed optimism about the evolving relationship. “Welcome to the Philippines, especially at this very important time,” the President said, noting the opening of Croatia’s office in the Philippines as a tangible step in bilateral friendship. He described the visit as a “new chapter” that could deepen cooperation in trade, defense, and labor — areas where both nations see potential for mutual benefit.
What the two sides are exploring
During Radman’s stay from October 12 to 14, he held talks with several key Philippine officials, including the Secretaries of Foreign Affairs, National Defense, and Migrant Workers, and members of Congress. The discussions aimed to identify concrete measures to broaden collaboration beyond diplomacy into trade, defense technology, and people-to-people ties.
An important milestone announced during the visit was the opening of the Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Croatia in Manila. President Marcos welcomed this development as a step that would strengthen diplomatic ties and expand cultural and economic exchange between the two countries.
Labor and migrant workers: ethics, welfare, and opportunity
A focal point of the engagements at the Ministry of Migrant Workers was the Philippines–Croatia Friendship Week, which Radman and State Secretary Ivan Vidiš helped inaugurate alongside Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac. The discussions highlighted ethical recruitment practices and the welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Croatia, with a focus on ensuring fair, safe, and dignified employment opportunities for Filipino migrants.
Defense and security cooperation
In a separate meeting with Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, Radman explored avenues for defense cooperation, including technology exchange, security dialogue, and Croatia’s participation in upcoming international defense exhibitions. The exchange signals a shared interest in expanding regional stability through practical, value-aligned partnerships.
Global and regional engagement
Radman’s Manila itinerary also included discussions with the European Union Ambassador and other regional partners. The conversations reaffirmed Croatia’s support for broader regional dialogue and international cooperation, aligning with the Philippines’ broader foreign policy goals of constructive engagement within multilateral processes.
Historical context and future prospects
The Philippines and Croatia formally established diplomatic relations on February 25, 1993. The current discussions and milestones — from the opening of a Croatian office to the inauguration of a Friendship Week — point toward a long-term, mutually beneficial partnership. As both nations seek diversified economic ties and stronger people-to-people connections, the pathway for expanded trade, defense collaboration, and improved labor arrangements appears clear and actionable.
Conclusion: A shared path forward
With this first official visit by a Croatian foreign minister, the Philippines is positioned to deepen its bilateral relationship with Croatia across trade, defense, and labor sectors. The momentum created by these talks suggests a pragmatic, values-driven partnership that could yield tangible benefits for citizens in both countries in the years ahead.
