THE SPORTS GROUND: SPORT STRENGTHENS THE NATIONAL IDENTITY AND REPUTATION OF CROATIA IN THE WORLD

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlić Radman and representatives of five sports federations, Marijan Kustić, president of the Croatian Football Association, Nikola Rukavina, president of the Croatian Basketball Association, Frane Žanić, president of the Croatian Volleyball Association, Tomislav Grahovac, president of the Croatian Handball Association and Perica Bukić, president of the Croatian Water Polo Association, signed on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, an agreement on cooperation to jointly promote Croatian sports successes, strengthening the national identity and improvement of foreign relations of the Republic of Croatia through sport.

Recognizing the value of the international successes of Croatian athletes, which significantly impact Croatia’s global recognition, the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs and the five largest Croatian ball sports federations agreed on a partnership through the signing of a Cooperation Agreement. These agreements define areas of cooperation, which include the promotion of the Republic of Croatia through joint promotion of the success of Croatian athletes and national teams on the international scene, the promotion of national identity, culture and tradition, the encouragement of the development of sports, including the creation of favorable conditions for investments in Croatian sports, the organization of professional conferences, exhibitions and other events, as well as support for sports activities, such as assistance to Croatian athletes and sports organizations through the support of Croatian diplomatic missions, cooperation in tenders for European funds, and joint appearances at conferences abroad.

Croatia is a world phenomenon in sports, and these five ball sports have brought Croatia several Olympic, world and European medals, international recognition and a lot of joy for the Croatian people. I am sure that through even more intensive cooperation, which is the basis of this Agreement, we will further strengthen the identity and reputation of the Republic of Croatia in the world through sport. At the same time, with diplomatic efforts, we will support our athletes abroad, organize sports events in Croatia, and encourage new investments in sports and sports activities – Gordan Grlić Radman, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs

Sports is undoubtedly the biggest promoter of Croatia in the world, and through this Cooperation Agreement we have laid the foundations of sports diplomacy that will help both athletes and the development of our country’s reputation through sports. I am happy to see the friendship and mutual support between the federation and our athletes in general, which gives me great faith in the success of this idea to combine sport and diplomacy for the common interest of our athletes and the country – Josip Pavić, State Secretary for Sports

You recently saw that we are the only country in the world that simultaneously has world medals in three significant collective sports, and we currently have them in football, handball, and water polo. Of course, all these successes are important for Croatia’s reputation worldwide. Through this Agreement, I am glad that the Government of the Republic of Croatia recognizes the value of sports and athletes. I am particularly pleased that there is a great unity between sports and federations. This Agreement is proof of that – we want to work together on the promotion of Croatia and the development of sports, which is the goal of this partnership with the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, to whom we thank for their support – Marijan Kustić, Croatian Football Association and vice-president of the Croatian Olympic Committee

I would like to thank the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Mr. Grlić Radman, for the opportunity he gave and for recognizing the value that sport has in Croatia. I think that sports are the best indicator that a small country like Croatia can have recognition and visibility worldwide and in Europe. The aspect of the president, as well as of all the people in our teams, is that they will do their best to ensure that Croatia continues to achieve the results it already has, but of course to make them even better. Regarding promotion, our unique position is that each of us is here to present Croatia in the best light. Once again, I would like to thank the Minister and the Government of the Republic of Croatia for everything they do for Croatian sport – Frane Žanić, the president of the Croatian Volleyball Federation

SOURCE: Croatian Volleyball Federation