The Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, of which Croatia was a part of, maintained good relations with Libya under Muammar Gaddafi.

[4] President Mesić maintained good relations with Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, and as the 2011 Libyan civil war was starting in February 2011, he publicly stated he doubted that "his friend" Gaddafi himself had ordered shooting at the demonstrators,[2] and would not postpone visit plans.

[6] The Croatian Government supported the 2011 military intervention in Libya that started in late March, and temporarily closed the Tripoli embassy at the same time.

[7] Mesić later made statements indicating suspicion NATO's motives in establishing the no-fly zone, which in turn angered the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

[7][9] In late June, Croatia officially extended diplomatic recognition to the National Transitional Council of Libya.