Key Takeaways
- Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with Croatian Foreign and European Affairs Minister Dr Gordan Grlić Radman.
- Both nations aim to enhance cooperation in sectors including trade, IT, agriculture, tourism, and skilled manpower.
- Pakistan expressed its desire for increased bilateral relations, noting current trade volumes are not strong enough.
During a meeting on Thursday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan expressed his country’s wish to strengthen ties with Croatia in various key sectors. The meeting took place between the Prime Minister and H.E. Dr Gordan Grlić Radman, who serves as the Croatian Minister for Foreign and European Affairs.
In a statement from the Prime Minister's Office, it was noted that Pakistan welcomed the Croatian delegation’s visit to Islamabad. Sharif highlighted the friendly relations between the two nations, characterized by mutual respect and shared interests. He extended an invitation to both Croatian leaders—President Zoran Milanovic and Prime Minister Andrej Plenković—to visit Pakistan at their convenience.
The meeting focused on several areas of potential cooperation, including trade and investment, information technology, connectivity, agriculture, tourism, and skilled manpower. Sharif emphasized the importance of these sectors in fostering stronger bilateral relations between Pakistan and Croatia.
Dr Gordan Grlić Radman reciprocated the warm welcome from Prime Minister Sharif, expressing his government’s desire to enhance ties with Pakistan across all areas of mutual interest. He acknowledged that while Pakistan and Croatia share developing relations, current trade volumes are not as strong as desired.
Both nations recognize the need to improve their trade ties and people-to-people contacts. The statement from the Prime Minister's Office highlighted this commitment, noting that both countries are actively working towards achieving these goals.
The meeting underscored the potential for significant collaboration between Pakistan and Croatia in various sectors. By focusing on areas such as trade and investment, IT, agriculture, tourism, and skilled manpower, both nations aim to build a stronger economic relationship.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister expressed his belief that increased cooperation could lead to mutual benefits and further regional peace efforts. The Croatian minister echoed this sentiment, congratulating Pakistan on its role in promoting regional stability.
