Croatian President Zoran Milanovic arrived in Georgia for a historic first official presidential level visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation across political, economic, and international arenas. The visit, running from February 11–13, was made at the invitation of Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili and marks a significant milestone in relations between the two countries.
Talks Focus on Partnership, Economy and Shared Interests
At the Presidential Palace, Presidents Milanovic and Kavelashvili held bilateral discussions covering current bilateral relations, prospects for expanding cooperation, and global developments, noting the deepening “friendly ties, cultural closeness, and shared values” between Zagreb and Tbilisi. They also emphasized the importance of mutual support for sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“Barriers are being imposed on Georgia, placing it in a moral dilemma. It is accused of acting as a Moscow agent. This amounts to moral blackmail, an attempt to pressure and coerce the country. That is why I came, to say this clearly,” President Milanovic said in his press briefing.
A meeting of Croatian and Georgian business representatives was also scheduled during the visit, underlining interests in boosting trade and investment. Companies such as Koncar – Elektroindustrija, Podravka, Franck, Kraš, and Sano have shown interest in expanding into the Georgian market, and about 20 Georgian companies were expected at the roundtable.
Economic ties between the two countries have historically been modest but growing. In 2025, bilateral trade reached a record value of around $22.7 million, with Croatian exports to Georgia dominating and Georgian exports modest in comparison.
“I arrived with a broad delegation, including economists and representatives of leading Croatian businesses. They are highly interested in Georgia’s market and in the wider Caucasus region,” the Croatian president said.
Strategic Context
This visit takes place against the backdrop of broader regional geopolitics. Georgia continues to pursue closer ties with the European Union and NATO, while Croatia has publicly supported those aspirations, having previously hosted Georgian officials and discussed deepening cooperation at ministerial levels.
President Milanovic’s approach on foreign policy has occasionally been outspoken, sometimes critical of European institutions, and his second presidential term reflects a focus on asserting Croatia’s interests on the global stage. The official visit to Georgia reinforces that commitment to direct dialogue and partnership with countries beyond the EU core, even amid international challenges.
In addition to the bilateral meeting with President Kavelashvili, Milanovic met with Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili, followed by a wreath laying ceremony at Tbilisi’s Heroes’ Square.
By Team GT
