https://twitter.com/home https://www.facebook.com/Shabbir.Hussain191By Shabbir Hussain
ISLAMABAD, Jul 9 (Alliance News): Pakistan and Croatia on Thursday agreed to accelerate political and economic cooperation by expanding collaboration in trade, investment, infrastructure, visa facilitation and several other areas of mutual interest.
The understanding was reached during delegation-level talks between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar and Croatian Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Affairs Dr. Gordan Grlic Radman, who is on the first-ever official visit to Pakistan by a Croatian foreign minister.
Addressing a joint press stakeout, Deputy Prime Minister Dar said both countries reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations and agreed to inject fresh momentum into cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, labour mobility, visa facilitation, education, defence, climate change, tourism, information technology, infrastructure and seaports collaboration.
He said both sides acknowledged that bilateral trade remained below its potential and agreed to strengthen economic ties by encouraging business-to-business (B2B) contacts. They also discussed holding a future Pakistan-Croatia Business Forum to promote private-sector partnerships.
Dar said Pakistan and Croatia agreed to operationalise the Memorandum of Understanding on bilateral political consultations, with the first round expected later this year or in early 2027.
A major breakthrough was also made on visa facilitation. Croatian Foreign Minister Radman announced that Croatia plans to open a visa processing facility in Islamabad, allowing Pakistani citizens to apply for visas without travelling to another country.
Deputy Prime Minister Dar stressed the importance of safe and legal migration while calling for stronger cooperation to combat human smuggling and illegal migration.
Highlighting Pakistan’s strategic location, Dar briefed the Croatian delegation on the facilities and connectivity of Karachi Port and proposed cooperation between the ports of both countries to boost trade and maritime connectivity.
During the talks, Dar also discussed regional and international issues, including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, the humanitarian situation in Gaza, and the need to revive peace efforts at the 2026 United Nations General Assembly.
He raised concerns over India’s decision to hold the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance and called on friendly countries to support efforts against the weaponisation of water.
The deputy prime minister also highlighted security challenges posed by terrorist groups operating from Afghanistan and stressed that Afghan territory should not be used for attacks against Pakistan.
Both sides exchanged views on the conflict in Ukraine and reaffirmed their commitment to resolving international disputes through dialogue and international law.
Dar said Pakistan’s access to the European Union’s GSP Plus scheme remained vital for economic cooperation with the EU and noted that Pakistan had already started preparations for reapplying under the new GSP Plus framework in 2027.
Foreign Minister Radman described GSP Plus as an important driver of Pakistan’s economic integration with Europe and invited Pakistani businesses to invest in Croatia, particularly in the pharmaceutical, healthcare, information technology and tourism sectors.
He said Croatia’s strategic location, nine international airports, six major seaports and railway links with Central Europe offered strong opportunities for trade, transport and investment.
The Croatian foreign minister also appreciated Pakistan’s active role at the United Nations Security Council and praised its recent diplomatic efforts, including the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding aimed at reducing tensions between the United States and Iran.
Describing Islamabad as the “city of peace and diplomacy,” Radman thanked the Pakistani government for its warm hospitality and expressed confidence that his visit would further strengthen bilateral relations.
He also invited Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar to attend the Dubrovnik Forum in Croatia next year.
