Croatian President Zoran Milanović Visits Georgia

2026-02-13 - 09:19

Croatian President Zoran Milanović visited Georgia on February 11-13. He met with Georgian Dream leaders, including GD-elected President Mikheil Kavelashvili, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili. It was the first visit by a Croatian president to Georgia. President Milanović was accompanied by a delegation that included Head of the Office of the President Bartol Šimunić; defense adviser Neven Pelicarić; special economic adviser Velibor Mačkić; Croatia’s ambassador to Georgia, Branko Zebič; and representatives of the presidential administration. Meeting, Press Conference With Mikheil Kavelashvili On February 12, Mikheil Kavelashvili hosted Zoran Milanović at the Orbeliani Presidential Palace, where they held a one-on-one meeting to discuss “key issues on the bilateral agenda” as well as “prospects for deeper cooperation and global developments,” according to a press release. The statement said the leaders highlighted “existing bonds of friendship, cultural ties and shared values” as a “foundation for the further development of bilateral relations.” Kavelashvili underscored that Georgia “highly values Croatia’s steadfast support” for its sovereignty and territorial integrity and “highlighted Georgia’s firm support for Croatia’s territorial integrity.” According to the press release, the presidents also discussed economic ties and sector-specific cooperation. Following their meeting, the two leaders held a joint press conference, speaking in their native languages. Mikheil Kavelashvili said the first presidential-level visit will provide “additional impetus” for the “further deepening of bilateral ties” between the two countries, outlining the issues discussed during the talks. He then addressed the current relations between Georgia and the European Union, saying they are “facing a number of challenges.” “Nevertheless, we remain confident that through constructive and active dialogue it is possible to overcome the existing differences between Georgia and the European Union and to normalize relations,” he said. “It is also important to emphasize that the European Union’s enlargement policy should not serve as an instrument of manipulation through which certain actors within the European bureaucracy might seek to advance their own geopolitical interests,” he added, noting that Georgia has demonstrated over the past several years “exemplary resilience and principled commitment in safeguarding its sovereignty, national interests, and peace.” “Fortunately, within the EU, there are states that do not turn a blind eye to unjust approaches, that recognize and objectively assess Georgia’s progress, and that choose dialogue and diplomacy over the aggressive rhetoric of certain EU bureaucrats,” Kavelashvili said. “It is only through such an approach that genuine European values can be preserved,” he added, thanking his Croatian counterpart “for his commitment to these values” and expressing hope that “the number of such countries and political leaders will increase.” In his remarks, translated from Croatian to Georgian, President Milanović said his visit served as a “gesture of solidarity” amid the absence of high-level EU visits to Georgia, for which he apologized. He also criticized EU policy toward Georgia while praising the country’s achievements “in all parameters.” “In his remarks, Zoran Milanović stated that he does not grant European bureaucracy the authority to speak on his behalf,” the official press release said. “In response, Mikheil Kavelashvili underscored that he is the President of a dignified nation – Croatia – and that he speaks the truth,” the press release added. At the end of the briefing, Kavelashvili praised Milanović for his speech, saying, “It is precisely such candid discourse that we expect from the European bureaucracy and from representatives of those countries that apply double standards and adopt a different approach toward our country. This is the attitude of a truly dignified leader.” Meeting with PM Irakli Kobakhidze On the same day, President Milanović met with Georgian Dream Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze. They reviewed the “close partnership” between Georgia and Croatia and the “prospects for future cooperation,” according to a government press release. The two also discussed trade relations and sectoral cooperation, including tourism, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. Meeting with Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili On February 12, President Milanović also met with Georgia’s disputed Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili and several members of parliament. During the meeting, Milanović “stated that he finds the EU’s current attitude toward Georgia surprising and that his aim is to personally discuss the existing situation with the Georgian authorities,” the press release said. “According to him, Croatia firmly stands by Georgia.” “Shalva Papuashvili briefed the President of Croatia on recent developments in Georgia and on Georgia–EU relations,” the press release said, adding that Milanović “positively assessed Georgia’s policy aimed at safeguarding its sovereignty and national interests.” Also Read: 24/07/2023 – Georgian Prime Minister Visits Croatia 09/02/2023 – Croatian Foreign Minister Visits Georgia