In a historic first, Croatian Foreign Minister Gordan Grlić Radman visited the Philippines on October 13, 2025, marking a new chapter in diplomatic relations between the two nations. Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro welcomed Radman at the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila, where both officials reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation across key sectors.
During the bilateral meeting, the two countries explored expanded partnerships in defense, trade, labor, and people-to-people exchanges. Croatia, which currently hosts around 16,000 Filipino workers, expressed interest in strengthening labor ties and boosting tourism and education collaboration.
The ministers also exchanged views on regional developments in the Indo-Pacific, South China Sea, and Europe, and pledged closer coordination within ASEAN and the European Union. Minister Radman is scheduled to meet with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and other top officials to further solidify the growing partnership.
The Bench Files 
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