Yes, Croatia is a dignified European Union country, and its President speaks the truth. This is precisely the kind of sincere conversation we expect from European bureaucracy and from representatives of countries that apply double standards or treat our country differently. This is the attitude of a true, dignified leader, and there is nothing excessive here,” Kavelashvili said, commenting on the statement made by Croatian President Zoran Milanović about Georgia.

Kavelashvili also noted that the Croatian President’s statement represents “an acknowledgment of the truth and the proper attitude that should exist between the presidents of two equal countries.”

"I want to sincerely thank the President for such emotional and warm words. I want to address our public: indeed, Croatia is a dignified EU country, and its President speaks the truth. This is exactly the kind of honest conversation we expect from European bureaucracy and representatives of countries that have double standards and a different attitude toward our country. This is the approach of a true, dignified leader. There is nothing excessive here; this is, literally, an acknowledgment of the truth and the proper relationship that should exist between the presidents of two equal countries. I also thank him for visiting our beautiful country. His visit continues; he will meet the Prime Minister and the Speaker of Parliament. I am confident he will be satisfied with what he sees of our country and our hospitality," Kavelashvili added during the joint briefing with the Croatian President.

In response, President Milanović clarified that he did not agree with the part where Croatia was singled out as positive while all other European countries were implied as negative:

"It is not important that I have the last word now, but the President singled out Croatia - I cannot agree with that. You see, from the President’s words, it seemed that Croatia is positive and all other European countries are negative for Georgia. Many European players have no position at all, no stance; they are perfectly comfortable in their comfort zone. They have an opportunistic approach and don’t need to take steps here. There are resources to make them understand… maybe… it’s not about making them aggressive, just showing other European countries that the EU lacks a unified position, and many countries do not have firm positions within the EU," Milanović stated.

For context, Croatian President Zoran Milanović is visiting Georgia. During a joint briefing at the Atoneli Palace, he noted that Georgia is successfully developing on all fronts and emphasized: “Barriers are being imposed on Georgia, it is being placed in a moral dilemma, accused of being a Moscow agent - this is moral blackmail; they are blackmailing the country, forcing its hands.”