Kotor, 5 October 2021 (GNP/ TDI): The Foreign Minister of Croatia Gordan Grlić Radman visited Montenegro. He spoke to a gathering of Croats in the embassy of the Republic of Croatia in the town of Kotor, Montenegro.
The Foreign Minister stated that Croatia closely observes the condition of Croats living in Montenegro and supports their basic right to practice their culture in Montenegro. He stated that a large number of Croats are living in Montenegro and their human rights must be respected. Since the war of independence of Croatia, there is a large number of Croats that are living in Montenegro.
The Foreign Minister also visited the site of Morinj camp, where infamously more than 300 Croat soldiers and civilians were detained without their consent. These Croats were forcefully kept in the former Yugoslav army during the Croatian war of independence. His visit marked the 30th anniversary of the establishment of this camp.
The relations between Croatia and Montenegro have been relatively peaceful since then. Both countries are members of NATO. Croatia is a member of the European Union (EU) while Montenegro is an EU candidate. Both states have respected the rights of minorities in the recent past. The visit of the Foreign Minister of Croatia comes during a time when the treatment of minorities and dissidents is under serious debate at the EU.