Islamabad (GNP): Acting President Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani received Dr. Gordan Grlić Radman, Minister for Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Croatia, at Aiwan-e-Sadr.
Welcoming the Croatian Foreign Minister and his accompanying delegation, Gilani described the visit as a landmark moment — the first time a Croatian Foreign Minister had travelled to Pakistan — and said it marked a new chapter in the relationship between the two countries. He conveyed that Pakistan holds its friendship with Croatia in high regard, a friendship grounded in mutual respect and goodwill, and expressed optimism that the visit would inject new energy into bilateral cooperation.
The Acting President acknowledged Croatia’s impressive transformation over the past thirty years and recognised its growing stature in Europe and on the wider international stage, both as a member of the European Union and NATO. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s intention to deepen engagement with Croatia on a bilateral basis as well as within the broader context of Pakistan’s partnership with the EU.
Noting that diplomatic ties between the two countries stretch back more than three decades, Gilani stressed the value of consistent high-level contact and parliamentary diplomacy in keeping the relationship vibrant. He proposed the creation of Pakistan-Croatia Parliamentary Friendship Groups to foster regular dialogue between elected representatives of both nations. He also extended a warm invitation to Croatian President Zoran Milanović to pay an official visit to Pakistan at a mutually agreeable time.
Turning to economic matters, Gilani underlined the need to significantly grow bilateral trade and investment, observing that current trade volumes fall considerably short of what the two economies are capable of achieving. He expressed appreciation for the foothold Croatian companies have already established in Pakistan — citing Infobip’s collaborations with major Pakistani businesses and KONČAR’s involvement in the Chashma Hydropower Project — and voiced hope that these would serve as a springboard for broader Croatian investment.
Highlighting Pakistan’s business-friendly environment, the Acting President encouraged Croatian firms to look at opportunities across information technology, renewable energy, agriculture, livestock, food processing, tourism and hospitality, urban development, and water and waste management. He pointed to the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) as a dedicated mechanism designed to make the investment process smoother and more efficient for foreign investors.
Gilani also raised the importance of enabling greater mobility for skilled Pakistani workers, particularly in construction, transport, and hospitality — sectors where Pakistani professionals have already made a mark across the Middle East, Europe, and North America. He said stronger cooperation in workforce mobility would benefit both sides.
On regional connectivity, the Acting President proposed closer ties between Karachi Port and Croatia’s port facilities to open up new trade corridors with European markets. He also pointed to room for expanded collaboration in education, sports, and information technology, highlighting Pakistan’s fast-growing digital sector and expressing hope that Croatia would increasingly look to Pakistan’s talented and cost-competitive IT workforce.
Dr. Grlić Radman thanked the Acting President for the generous reception afforded to him and his delegation. He reaffirmed Croatia’s commitment to building a stronger partnership with Pakistan and expressed confidence that deeper political dialogue, parliamentary engagement, and economic cooperation would carry the bilateral relationship to new heights.
Both sides concluded the meeting by reaffirming their commitment to sustained high-level contact and to working together to unlock the full potential of Pakistan-Croatia relations across all areas of shared interest. The Secretary of Foreign Affairs was also present at the meeting.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
