We look forward to ratifying the double taxation treaty soon, which will deepen our economic cooperation and create new opportunities for small companies to cooperate across our borders.
Despite differences in size and economic development, there is significant potential for continued high-level cooperation, particularly in technology, innovation, and military cooperation, which will further enhance our mutual prosperity and security, for Diplomacy&Commerce says H.E. Nathalie Rayes ambassador of the United States of America to Croatia. We also support the Croatian Armed Forces with their defense modernization goals to make our strong and capable Ally even stronger and more capable, says ambassador Rayes.
- USA and Croatia have reached a very high level of mutual relations. How would you rate these relations and which areas of cooperation would you single out as particularly important?
The United States and Croatia have excellent relations. I believe the U.S.-Croatia bilateral relationship has never been stronger. Just in the last three years, the U.S. and Croatia have worked to open sign a treaty to avoid double taxation; to initiate geothermal and renewable energy cooperation that significantly enhanced energy security; to secure visa free travel to the United States; and towards a broad modernization of the Croatian Armed Forces through the acquisition of Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles and Black Hawk helicopters.
- It seems that there are no open issues between the official Zagreb and Washington. Are there still any areas where you see room for improvement?
We continue to seek areas of further cooperation with the Croatian government as well as more opportunities to enhance our collaboration in technology, and innovation, increase educational and cultural exchanges, promote people-to-people and business-to-business ties to ensure even greater mutual benefits and understanding. We look forward to ratifying the double taxation treaty soon, which will deepen our economic cooperation and create new opportunities for small companies to cooperate across our borders.
- Political support, military cooperation, tourism, economy are only part of good relations. As ambassadors of one of the most influential and important countries in the world, how important are numbers to you, what do they show us? What are the figures when it comes to economy and is there room for improving relations and where, bearing in mind the difference in size, population, economic development, investments…?
Numbers are a good starting point, showing the strength of our trade, investments, and tourism ties. Despite differences in size and economic development, there is significant potential for continued high-level cooperation, particularly in technology, innovation, and military cooperation, which will further enhance our mutual prosperity and security. Numbers alone don’t tell the full story of Croatia’s value as an Ally or potential as a regional economic and energy leader. Croatia’s strategic location, history of successful geothermal and hydropower development, and leadership in gas distribution position it as the regional hub for energy security and economic development, and our partnership reflects its importance. Croatia has the capacity to build on its success as the newest EU member by supporting an EU path for its Western Balkans neighbors and modeling the benefits of EU membership, strong democratic institutions, and a free and open society.
- Did the fact that visas for entrance of Croatian citizens to the US were cancelled change anything and to what extent, and what opportunities does this bring for the improvement of relations between the two countries?
The Visa Waiver Program is an important recognition of our countries’ shared economic and security interests and Croatia’s designation as the 40th member of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) highlights our close cooperation on these key priorities. In the first two years after Croatia’s ascension to the Visa Waver Program, nearly 40,000 Croatians traveled to the U.S. using the electronic authorization. That figure doesn’t include the additional tens of thousands of Croatians who are traveling on visas they already had or visas for specific purposes, like students and performers. So, I feel confident saying that the Visa Waiver Program has had positive effects on our citizens’ people-to-people connections, as well as for businesses and trade.
- Military cooperation within NATO is on a high level, but it is not limited only to the alliance, but mutual cooperation exists as well. In what way are mutual military relations of the two countries still developing?
We support the Croatian Armed Forces with their defense modernization goals to make our strong and capable Ally even stronger and more capable. In addition to the purchase of eight additional Black Hawk helicopters and the refurbishment of 62 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles, we continue to support many other acquisition and modernization efforts. We have worked with the Croatian Armed Forces to enhance their considerable demining capabilities so they can someday clear Croatia’s land and sea of the explosive remnants of war. We continue to deepen our military relationship by sending over 100 Croatian service members to U.S. military training and education programs each year, and through the State Partnership Program with the Minnesota National Guard. Our militaries regularly train together and with our mutual Allies. Croatia is set to host Exercise IMMEDIATE RESPONSE in 2025, one of our most important exercises in Europe.
- Geopolitical situation in the world seems to have never been more uncertain and turbulent. Where do you see the main culprits for this and how should the open issues in different parts of the world (war in Ukraine, war between Israel and Hamas…) be resolved?
Like Croatia, we want Ukraine to win – and we’re committed to helping them do it. We’ve developed the “capability coalitions” – groups of allies and partners who are addressing needs crucial to Ukraine’s defense. Denmark, the Netherlands, and the U.S. are leading the coalition on air force, Estonia and Luxembourg on information technology, Norway, and the UK on maritime security. These coalitions are pumping more support into Ukraine right now because the security of Ukraine and Europe is a core interest of ours.
Our government has been focused on a durable end to the war between Israel and Hamas. We want a durable end that brings all the hostages home, ensures Israel’s security, creates a better “day after” in Gaza without Hamas in power, and sets the stage for a political settlement that provides a better future for both Israelis and Palestinians.
- The US-China relations are also strained. Could you further explain to our readers what are the main reasons for this, from your point of view, and what is Washington’s position on the matter?
Under the Biden Administration, the United States revisited our assumptions behind our longstanding China policy. We determined that the PRC was the only state with both the intent to reshape the international order and the economic, diplomatic, military, and technological power to do it. We saw that the PRC sought to “catch up and surpass” the United States in high technology; that it was pursuing the largest peacetime military buildup in history; and that it was more repressive at home and more assertive abroad, including in the South and East China Seas as well as the Taiwan Strait. We saw the PRC working to make the world more dependent on itself while reducing its own dependence on the world. And we saw it taking steps to adapt the international system to accommodate its own system and preferences. The United States has continued to deliver on our “invest, align, compete” approach to U.S.-PRC relations. We’ve made historic investments in the sources of American strength at home, including through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the CHIPS and Science Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act. President Biden has placed tremendous focus on deepening our alliances and partners around the world, including our close friends in the EU and NATO. Intense competition requires intense diplomacy. We are committed to responsibly managing this incredibly important relationship, and ensuring competition does not inadvertently veer into conflict. In that spirit, we are seeking to maintain open lines of communication with Beijing, even as we continue taking competitive steps to defend our interests and our values – always in close coordination with our allies and partners.
- You have recently been in Croatia, in Zagreb. What are your first impressions? You travel around the country a lot, what would you recommend to your friends to see when they come, what food, drinks to try…?
Croatia is beautiful! It is a delight to be surrounded by such breathtaking nature and experience your rich culture. I enjoy travelling to meet our partners throughout the country and hear about their work and see their cities. I have taken my friends to your amazing national parks, historic old towns, and fantastic galleries and museums. Also, Croatian food and wine is exceptional. From štrukli in the north to mussels in the south, I recommend all visitors to Croatia try a little bit of everything.