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Kolinda Grabar-KitarovicCroatian statesman and politician
Date of Birth: 29.04.1968
Country:  Croatia |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Diplomatic Career
- Minister and Ambassador
- NATO Deputy Secretary-General
- Presidency
- Personal Life
- Legacy
Early Life and Education
Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović was born in Rijeka, Croatia, and raised in a small village where her family ran a store and farm. Despite difficulties with the standard Croatian language, she excelled in her studies and received a grant to attend high school in the United States at age 17. She also earned a master's degree in international relations from the University of Zagreb and held fellowships at George Washington University, Harvard University, and Johns Hopkins University.
Diplomatic Career
Grabar-Kitarović began her career in 1992 as an advisor to the Croatian Ministry of Science and Technology and later to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She served as head of the North American Department at the Foreign Ministry from 1995 to 1997, before becoming Diplomatic Advisor and Deputy Ambassador at the Croatian Embassy in Canada. After returning to the Foreign Ministry as Counselor-Minister, she was elected to the Croatian Parliament in 2003.
Minister and Ambassador
In 2003, Grabar-Kitarović became Minister of European Integration, and in 2005, she was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration. She played a crucial role in Croatia's accession to the European Union and NATO. From 2008 to 2011, she served as Croatia's Ambassador to the United States, further strengthening bilateral relations.
NATO Deputy Secretary-General
From 2011 to 2014, Grabar-Kitarović served as NATO's Deputy Secretary-General for Public Diplomacy. She is known for her expertise in Euro-Atlantic diplomacy and security issues.
Presidency
In 2014, Grabar-Kitarović became the first female president of Croatia after winning a closely contested election. Her presidency focused on promoting economic growth, strengthening national security, and enhancing international cooperation. She resigned in 2020 after serving a single five-year term.
Personal Life
Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović is married to Jakov Kitarović and has two children, Katarina and Luka. She is a practicing Catholic and has expressed her commitment to traditional Christian values.
Legacy
Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović is remembered as a transformative leader who made significant contributions to Croatia's foreign policy, security, and economic development. She remains an influential figure in Croatian politics and beyond.
