Türkiye, Croatia mark 30 years of diplomatic relations

ANKARA

Türkiye and Croatia celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations with Croatia, a joint statement said on Friday.

"On this special day, as we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of our diplomatic relations, we would like to emphasize our determination to further our cooperation based on Friendship, Alliance and Strategic Partnership for the benefit of our peoples, allies and partners," said the statement issued by the Turkish Foreign Ministry.

It added that Türkiye and Croatia are two friendly and allied countries with deep-rooted historical and cultural ties, and seeing each other as neighbors even though they do not share common borders.

Türkiye was among the first countries to recognize Croatia's independence when it was declared in 1991.

"The relations, which this spirit of friendship gives life to, are built on universal values and principles such as democracy, peaceful and humanitarian foreign policy, respect for international law and treaties, and good neighborhood," the statement added.

In 1994, the two countries signed the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation to enhance cooperation.

"On this occasion, as two allies and partners, we would like to express our belief that the EU and Euro-Atlantic integration of our region will play an important role in delivering lasting peace and stability in all of Europe," the statement said.