Pejcinovic Buric said it was important for Croatia to have good relations with China, Russia, the United States, France and Britain. Croatia will host next year's "16+1" summit, which will be attended by leaders of 16 eastern and central European countries and China.

"This is a step forward for Croatia, but also for China, who recognizes Croatia as a gateway to the European Union," the foreign minister told reporters.

Croatian President Kolinda Grbara-Kitarovic said at the conference that Croatia should seriously prepare for its EU presidency, which begins in January, 2020.

Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic expected Croatian ambassadors around the world to engage in a policy of peace and cooperation, but also to be active in the economic field and explain the benefits of investing in Croatia.

The two-day conference of ambassadors and consulates which started on Thursday has gathered all heads of Croatian diplomatic missions around the world to discuss global geopolitical and security issues.