Enhancing Bilateral Cooperation Between Kazakhstan and Croatia
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan recently met with Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Croatia Gordan Grlić Radman, emphasizing the growing cooperation between the two countries. The meeting highlighted the increasing interest of Croatian businesses in the Kazakh market, particularly in sectors such as energy, infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, and food production.
Currently, over 30 Croatian-affiliated companies are operating in Kazakhstan, including well-known brands like Pliva and Podravka. The officials also discussed enhancing cultural and educational exchanges between the two nations.
During his visit, Minister Gordan Grlić Radman also had a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu, focusing on cooperation in political, trade-economic, and cultural-humanitarian spheres. Nurtleu stated that Croatia is one of Kazakhstan’s key partners in the Balkans and the European Union, with economic cooperation being a priority in their bilateral relations.
Preparations were also discussed for the upcoming visit of Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković to Kazakhstan and his participation in the Astana International Forum. The volume of mutual trade between Kazakhstan and Croatia reached $282 million last year, solidifying Croatia as one of Kazakhstan’s top 15 trading partners within the EU.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening comprehensive cooperation in areas such as energy, transport and logistics, pharmaceuticals, tourism, and agriculture. In the cultural and humanitarian domain, they agreed to provide scholarships for students from both countries.
Additionally, alongside official negotiations, the Kazakhstan-Croatia business forum was inaugurated with representatives from both countries’ business circles. The forum provided a platform for discussing prospects for bilateral cooperation in various sectors including energy, construction, information technology, tourism, and agriculture. Entrepreneurs from both countries expressed their interest in expanding trade and economic ties and implementing joint projects to develop a sustainable partnership.
Minister Grlić Radman is also scheduled to visit the Astana Hub international technology park during his stay in Kazakhstan. These meetings and events signify a deepening of the relationship between Kazakhstan and Croatia, paving the way for further collaboration and mutual benefit.
