Interview: Former Croatian president Josipovic advocates stronger EU-China cooperation

by Xinhua writers Chen Ying, Li Xuejun, Ma Ruxuan

ZAGREB, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- In a recent interview with Xinhua, former Croatian President Ivo Josipovic expressed his firm opposition to trade wars and emphasized the importance of fostering cooperation between Europe and China based on mutual respect, shared interests, and a commitment to global peace.

Josipovic, who served as Croatia's president from 2010 to 2015, stressed that trade wars harm all parties involved. "I'm not in favor of these trade wars. I think it's harming everyone," he remarked, urging Europe to align its actions with long-term strategic interests, particularly to expand cooperation with major countries like China.

Reflecting on his long-standing engagement with China, Josipovic recalled his first visit to the country in the late 1980s, with more than 20 visits since.

Josipovic noted China's impressive transformation over the past few decades, saying that the country has every reason to be proud of its achievements.

During his presidency, Croatia joined the European Union in 2013. Josipovic emphasized that the growing economic ties between China and the EU in the past five decades has benefited both sides and contributed to global stability.

Josipovic also underscored the importance of such principles as mutual respect, respect for international law, and win-win cooperation.

He lauded the Belt and Road Initiative proposed by China as a "good track" for cooperation and warned against erecting barriers between cultures, states, and peoples. "A shared future is definitely the only sustainable future," he affirmed.

He pointed to the Peljesac Bridge, a key infrastructure project that connects two parts of Croatia previously separated by the sea, as a successful example of the Belt and Road cooperation.

Josipovic, a composer and musician, also stressed the value of cultural exchange in fostering bilateral relations.

He described his performance with the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra during a Spring Festival gala as an extraordinary experience. He also facilitated exchanges between Chinese institutions and Croatian artists.

"We should cooperate and learn about each other. That's the most important concept in today's world," he said. ■