Minister Grlić Radman meets with Kazakh counterpart Nurtleu

On Thursday, November 21, 2024, the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Gordan Grlić Radman, received the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Murat Nurtleu. This marked the first visit by a Kazakh foreign minister to Croatia since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation, particularly in the economic sector. Opportunities for cooperation were highlighted in various areas, including energy, transportation and infrastructure, electronics, agriculture, the food industry, healthcare, the pharmaceutical industry, and tourism.

The ministers expressed satisfaction with the convening of the inaugural session of the Joint Commission for Economic Cooperation between the Croatian and Kazakh governments and the establishment of the Croatia-Kazakhstan Business Council. These initiatives aim to enhance connections and cooperation between businesses in the two countries, fostering trade and economic relations and opening new investment opportunities.

Grlić Radman underscored Kazakhstan's importance as a political and economic partner for Croatia in Central Asia, citing its economic potential, especially in energy diversification, as well as geostrategic and security issues.

During the visit, two significant agreements were signed, paving the way for closer ties and further development of relations between Croatia and Kazakhstan. These include the Cooperation Program between the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Croatia and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan for 2025-2027 and the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation between the Diplomatic Academy of the Croatian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs and the Academy of Public Administration under the President of Kazakhstan. These agreements ensure the continuation of dialogue on mutual interests and expanded collaboration in training diplomatic personnel and public officials.

On a broader scale, Croatia reaffirmed its support for deepening the partnership between the EU and Kazakhstan. This includes strengthening economic ties, energy cooperation, collaboration on rare minerals, visa liberalization, and engagement in other areas of mutual interest.

The ministers also exchanged views on key global political issues, including the situation in Ukraine, developments in the Middle East, and other crisis areas. Cooperation within international organizations was also discussed. Grlić Radman briefed Nurtleu on current developments in Southeast Europe.

This visit, which also included a meeting between Kazakhstan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister and Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, reaffirmed both nations' commitment to enhancing their partnership and working together to achieve shared goals and interests in the international arena.

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