Pakistan and Croatia have agreed to take concrete steps to inject greater momentum into their political and economic relations. This understanding was reached during a meeting between Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Croatian Foreign Minister Dr. Gordan Grlic Radman in Islamabad on Thursday.
Areas of Cooperation Identified
In a joint press stakeout following the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Dar stated that both sides have agreed to promote cooperation in all areas of mutual interest. These include trade, investment, agriculture, labor mobility, visa facilitation, education, defense, climate change, tourism, infrastructure, information technology, and seaport collaboration.
Dar emphasized that the two sides have decided to make the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on bilateral political consultations between the two foreign ministries fully functional. The consultations will be held on a regular periodic basis to ensure sustained dialogue.
Revitalizing Trade and Economic Relations
The Deputy Prime Minister said, "We have agreed to revitalize our bilateral trade and economic relations, including through supporting business-to-business (B2B) exchanges." He also invited the Croatian side to benefit from Pakistan's favorable investment policies, highlighting the country's potential.
Dar briefed the Croatian delegation on the potential, capacity, and connectivity of Karachi Port. Both sides discussed the possibility of collaborative arrangements between the ports of the two countries, which could enhance trade routes and economic integration.
Visa Facilitation and Labor Mobility
Ishaq Dar noted that both sides are working together to expedite the opening of a Croatian visa processing facility in Islamabad. He emphasized that this will be a welcome relief for Pakistani applicants, sparing them the need to travel to a third country to obtain a visa.
The Deputy Prime Minister also said that both sides agreed to continue working on legal pathways for the employment of Pakistan's skilled workforce in Croatia. This move is expected to boost labor mobility and provide opportunities for Pakistani professionals.
Croatian Foreign Minister’s Remarks
In his remarks, Croatian Foreign Minister Dr. Gordan Grlic Radman said his country greatly values people-to-people contacts and will enable Pakistani citizens to submit visa applications within Pakistan. He stated, "Our bilateral relationship is based on friendship and mutual respect." He expressed confidence that this visit will further strengthen this relationship.
Radman appreciated Pakistan's diplomatic efforts that resulted in the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding to end the conflict between the United States and Iran. He also noted that Croatia actively supports the participation of women in United Nations peacekeeping missions. He said Croatia will welcome Pakistan's female police officers at its pre-deployment trainings that are certified by the UN.
Broader Implications
This renewed engagement between Pakistan and Croatia signals a mutual desire to deepen ties beyond traditional diplomatic exchanges. The focus on trade, investment, and labor mobility reflects a pragmatic approach to bilateral relations, while the visa facilitation and port collaboration indicate concrete steps to enhance connectivity and economic cooperation.
