Prime Minister Andrej Plenković met with members of the Croatian community in Hamilton, Ontario, during a reception hosted at the Croatian Sports and Community Centre. Addressing attendees, he thanked Croatian expatriates for their longstanding commitment to preserving Croatian identity, language, culture and values while contributing to stronger relations between Croatia and Canada.
Plenković emphasized that Croatia has not forgotten the support provided by the diaspora during the Croatian War of Independence, nor the assistance offered during more recent crises, including major floods and devastating earthquakes. He pledged that the Croatian government would continue supporting diaspora communities through various projects and initiatives aimed at maintaining close ties with Croats living abroad.
The prime minister also highlighted Croatia’s progress in recent years, describing the country as politically stable, economically stronger and firmly integrated within the European and transatlantic framework through membership in the European Union, NATO, the Schengen Area and the eurozone. He added that Croatia hopes to join the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development in the near future.
Plenković also met with Croatian priests serving in the wider Toronto area. He also reiterated that encouraging the return of Croats from abroad and addressing demographic challenges remain strategic priorities for Croatia’s future.
