President Milanović Receives Kate Forbes, President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
The President of the Republic of Croatia Zoran Milanović today received Kate Forbes, President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), who is on an official visit to the Croatian Red Cross.
This is the first visit by the IFRC President to Croatia, which also reaffirms the status of the Croatian Red Cross as a reliable partner in the international context, whose work significantly contributes to global humanitarian efforts. The Croatian Red Cross’s longstanding experience in crisis situations, its daily presence on the ground supporting the most vulnerable groups, its innovative projects, and its ongoing investment in volunteer and public education, all contribute to its position as a regional leader – an organization that plays a key role in international humanitarian efforts. This was highlighted during the meeting, which was also attended by Željko Grubišić, President of the Croatian Red Cross, along with his team.
IFRC President Kate Forbes stated that she had visited the National Logistics Centre in Sesvete-Jelkovec, where the Croatian Red Cross’s operational services are based, and had been impressed by the quality of the field activities. The centre also houses humanitarian aid supplies, which are readily available for urgent needs across the region. Forbes will also participate in the ceremonial start of the Croatia Rally World Championship in Rijeka, as part of collaboration between the International Automobile Federation (FIA) and IFRC, aimed at promoting first aid and road safety.
The meeting also covered the global activities of the IFRC, including its operations in conflict zones.
In addition to President Kate Forbes and President Željko Grubišić, the meeting was attended by Maria Kristensen, Head of the IFRC Delegation for Central and Southeastern Europe, Croatian Red Cross Vice Presidents Antun Franković and Branka Hastor, Executive President Robert Markt, Deputy Executive President Marina Pinjagić Telak, and Maja Antonić Vrbota, Head of the International Affairs and Publishing Service at the Croatian Red Cross. President Milanović was accompanied by the Head of the Cabinet Bartol Šimunić, his Foreign and European Policy Adviser Neven Pelicarić, his Human Rights and Civil Society Adviser Melita Mulić, and his Assistant Adviser for Foreign and European Policy Ivan Mutavdžić.
PHOTO: Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia / Filip Glas