BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 9
By Leman Zeynalova - Trend:
The 2nd session of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation between Croatia and Azerbaijan is supposed to take place at the end of September or at the beginning of October this year in Zagreb, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Croatia Gordan Grlić Radman said in an exclusive interview with Trend.
“Further expansion of current cooperation is in the interest of both our countries and the work of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation is invaluable, since it gives a strong impetus to the development of bilateral relations. At its first session in 2017, the Commission exchanged perspectives on economic cooperation, especially in the fields of industry, energy, transport, communications, IT, culture, tourism, youth, sport, health, agriculture, as well as in the development of the legal framework for bilateral cooperation. Therefore, it is an excellent platform for setting common goals, monitoring progress of their achievement and defining new steps in enhancing economic cooperation. The Joint Commission contributes to establishing direct contacts between companies and other legal entities with the view of encouraging investments and promoting exchange of information in economic areas. I have been informed recently that our Embassy in Baku had accelerated the procedure of convening the 2nd session of the Joint Commission, which is supposed to take place at the end of September or at the beginning of October this year in Zagreb,” the minister said.
Radman recalled that last year Croatia and Azerbaijan celebrated the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.
“I have to say, with great pleasure, that our relationship is one of friendship and partnership. Croatia considers Azerbaijan an important strategic partner. In 2013, we signed the Declaration on Strategic Partnership with the aim to encourage more intensive exchanges between our state bodies, businesses, non-profit organizations and citizens. Opening of the Embassy of the Republic of Croatia in Baku, in 2018, was the next logical step. The highest diplomatic presence, realized through the Embassy, undoubtedly contributes to a more active and regular exchange of views on foreign policy issues and global challenges, but most of all, it enhances bilateral interaction. In diplomacy, as you know, being represented „on the ground“ is the best way to work together for the benefit of both our countries and peoples. The opening of the Embassy has additionally contributed to the already fruitful political, economic and cultural cooperation between Croatia and Azerbaijan. With the same aim, Azerbaijan opened its Embassy in Zagreb in 2011. So, to answer your question, our relationship has a rising positive dynamic, especially in the fields of trade and economy, and the opening of the Croatian Embassy in Baku has certainly contributed to it,” added the Croatian minister.
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