Web desk(National Times)- Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on Thursday that Pakistan and Croatia could utilise their geographic locations to unlock the \u201cenormous potential\u201d of their growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His remarks came after he met with Croatia\u2019s Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grli\u0107 Radman, who is in Islamabad on a one-day visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Addressing a joint press briefing with Radman, Dar said, \u201cBoth Pakistan and Croatia are situated at important geographical locations and could utilise their presence and locations to untap their enormous potential for growth between the two countries and beyond.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dar said he briefed Radman on the \u201cpotential, capacity, facilities and connectivity of our Karachi port\u201d. \u201cBoth sides discussed the possibility of collaborative arrangements between the ports of the two countries,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The deputy PM noted that connectivity \u201clies at the heart of a vision for sustainable development, regional stability and global economic integration\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dar described the discussions between the two sides held earlier in the day as \u201cwarm, constructive and wide-ranging\u201d, adding that both sides reviewed the entire spectrum of Pakistan-Croatia relations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They \u201cagreed to undertake steps to inject greater momentum to our political and economic relations as well as to enhance our cooperation in all other areas of mutual interest, including trade, investment, development, agriculture, labour mobility, education, defence, via facilitation, climate change, tourism, infrastructure, IT, seaport collaboration, etc\u201d, he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Islamabad and Zagreb decided to make a memorandum of understanding (MoU<\/a>) on bilateral political consultation between their foreign ministries \u201cfully functional and hold the consultation on a regular periodic basis\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Subsequently, Dar announced Pakistan\u2019s offer to hold the first round of consultations in the last quarter of 2026 or first quarter of 2027.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Speaking on economic collaboration, the deputy premier said both sides \u201cconcurred that our bilateral trade remains below its potential\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe appreciated the rising trend in bilateral trade volume,\u201d he said, adding that the two countries agreed to \u201crevitalise bilateral economic and trade relations, including through B2B (business-to-business) exchanges for common benefit\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe also considered holding a B2B trade forum in the future between the two business communities,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dar said he hailed the presence of Croatian companies in Pakistan and invited the other side to \u201cbenefit from Pakistan\u2019s favourable investment policies\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dar affirmed that Pakistan\u2019s access to the European Union\u2019s (EU) Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus<\/a> (GSP+) \u201cremains a cornerstone of Pakistan-EU economic cooperation and a mutually beneficial framework\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Taking note of a new GSP+ regulation set to enter into force on Jan 1, 2027, Dar said he informed Radman that Islamabad has \u201calready initiated preparatory work for our reapplication in early 2027\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The two foreign ministers also \u201cagreed to the early finalisation of various agreements and MoUs under process between our two countries\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dar further said that the two sides were \u201cworking together to expedite the opening of a Croatian visa processing facility in Islamabad\u201d, as applicants currently have to go to Tehran for it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On the matter, Radman said he looked forward to the opening of a Croatian visa processing facility in Pakistan \u201csoon\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n DPM Dar said that the two sides had also discussed labour mobility, particularly in the context of Pakistan\u2019s relations with the EU and on a bilateral basis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe agreed to continue work on legal pathways for Pakistan\u2019s skilled manpower, stressing the need for combatting human smuggling<\/a> and illegal migration,\u201d Dar said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dar pointed out that both Pakistan and Croatia had agreed that \u201cby providing safe, orderly and regular channels for migration, we not only protect the lives and rights of migrants, but also dismantle the illegal model of smuggling networks\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n DPM Dar said he and Radman discussed ways to strengthen cooperation between the agricultural and research institutes of the two countries. He also invited a department from the University of Zagreb to visit Taxila, the \u201cgreatest cosmopolitan centre of learning in the ancient world\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At the outset of his address, Dar noted that Radman\u2019s trip was the first high-level visit from Croatia to Pakistan in a \u201clong time\u201d and marked an important step in strengthening bilateral relations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He said Radman was the longest-serving foreign minister of Croatia and played a \u201ckey role\u201d in his country\u2019s membership of the EU and Nato.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In his remarks, the Croatian foreign minister observed that bilateral relations between the two nations were based on \u201cfriendship and mutual respect\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI hope that this visit will help us intensify our relations, enhance our trade and investment and explore new areas, avenues of cooperation,\u201d he said, noting the presence of some Croatian companies in Pakistan since the 1950s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He expressed his hope that \u201cthis successful cooperation encourages greater presence of Croatian products, technologies and services in the Pakistani market\u201d, especially in the pharmaceutical, health, defence, digital, IT, tourism and fuel production sectors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Radman also invited Pakistani companies to invest in Croatia, noting that his country\u2019s position \u201copened doors to the European market\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He highlighted that Croatia has \u201cinternationally recognised expertise in humanitarian demining as well as solutions that can support civil protection, disaster response, firefighting and price management operations\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWith nine strategic airports and six major maritime ports, Croatia can also be a gateway for international travel and cargo,\u201d the minister pointed out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He emphasised that Croatia\u2019s railway links with Central Europe supported \u201ca more resilient transport, energy and digital connectivity networks\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Radman said that a joint communique by Pakistan and Croatia highlighted the countries\u2019 \u201cshared commitment to further deepening bilateral cooperation\u201d and also the shared resolve to strengthen multilateralism, uphold the principles of the United Nations (UN) Charter and promote peace, stability and prosperity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He described Pakistan as a \u201ckey partner\u201d of the EU, adding that the GSP+ has \u201cserved as a catalyst for Pakistan\u2019s integration into the global economy\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Radman invited Dar to pay an official visit to Croatia, adding that the deputy premier was the \u201cfirst minister to be invited to the Dubrovnik Forum<\/a>\u201d set to be held towards the end of June 2027.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The minister also invited Pakistani female police officers to Croatia\u2019s UN-certified pre-deployment training for peacekeeping missions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dar recalled that during the bilateral talks, he briefed the Croatian minister on the issues of India-occupied Kashmir and Gaza.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Noting that the Gaza issue had been put on the \u201cback burner\u201d due to the US-Iran war, the deputy premier expressed hope that it could be revived in the upcoming UN General Assembly session.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dar also apprised Radman of India holding the Indus Waters Treaty<\/a> (IWT) in abeyance<\/a> since the four-day conflict<\/a> with Pakistan in May 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He highlighted that a \u201cnew dynamic had been added to an already volatile situation\u201d by the move.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe would like to seek the support of a friendly country towards India\u2019s immediate restoration of the IWT, ending the weaponisation of water and upholding international law and treaty obligations.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n DPM Dar stated he also briefed the Croatian minister on the \u201ccontinued presence of Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), other affiliate networks in Afghanistan, and terrorist attacks<\/a> perpetrated against Pakistan\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI stressed the need for the Afghan Taliban regime to abide by its international commitments and that Afghan territory must not be used to threaten or attack other countries, particularly Pakistan,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The two sides condemned terrorism in \u201call its forms and manifestations,\u201d Dar said, adding that they also agreed on the need for international cooperation to fight terrorism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Meanwhile, Radman hailed Pakistan\u2019s mediation role in the war between the United States and Iran, saying Croatia \u201cparticularly appreciated very much\u201d Pakistan\u2019s diplomatic efforts that last month resulted in the Islamabad MoU<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The two ministers also exchanged views on the Ukraine war<\/a>, agreeing on the \u201cneed to find a peaceful solution to international conflicts in full respect of international law and the UN Charter\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Both sides discussed the situation in the Western Balkans as well, Radman said, noting that the countries were a \u201cspecial focus of Croatian attention\u201d due to their geographical proximity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n During the press briefing, Dar affirmed that the two countries remained committed to \u201cmultilateralism, the UN Charter, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity and the peaceful settlement of disputes\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He added that the two sides \u201cremained actively engaged on issues related\u201d to the UN Security Council<\/a> (UNSC) and had convergence on major issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Meanwhile, Radman welcomed Pakistan\u2019s \u201cactive engagement in the work of the UN Security Council and its efforts during its current term<\/a> to contribute to dialogue, consensus-building and addressing current security challenges\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Earlier in the day, Dar and Radman discussed the possibilities and potential for collaboration between the ports of their countries, the Foreign Office (FO) said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the FO, the two sides discussed ways to strengthen ties in the field of trade, investment, agriculture, labour mobility, visa facilitation, education, defence, climate change, tourism, infrastructure and information technology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThey also exchanged views on various facets of Pakistan-EU cooperation as well as regional and global issues of interest,\u201d it said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cRecognising that connectivity lies at the heart of sustainable development, regional stability, and global economic integration, the two sides discussed the possibilities and potential for collaboration between the ports of Pakistan and Croatia,\u201d it added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBoth sides agreed to hold bilateral political consultations during the current year or early 2027,\u201d it said, adding that the visit marked an important step in strengthening relations between the two countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Addressing delegation-level talks during televised remarks, Dar said that the EU was among Pakistan\u2019s top trading partners, adding that Croatia was a \u201cstrong member\u201d of the union.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe are committed to deepening Pakistan\u2019s engagement with Croatia for a sustainable bilateral partnership and closer cooperation within the EU framework,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He recalled that the EU\u2019s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, had recently visited Pakistan<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe have wonderful relations with the EU leadership. We remained in contact during the India-Pakistan war,\u201d he said, referring to last year\u2019s brief military conflict.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He said that he had invited Radman and Kallas to visit Pakistan at the same time, thanking them both for accepting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In his remarks, Radman thanked Dar for the invitation and said he was pleased to be making his first official visit to Pakistan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He said the \u201ctalks provided an opportunity to review bilateral relations and explore ways to expand cooperation, particularly in the areas of trade, economy, and business\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Describing ties between the two countries as \u201cexcellent\u201d, Radman said there was \u201cstill room to further strengthen cooperation\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Referring to conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, he stressed the importance of international solidarity at a time of growing global challenges, saying \u201ccountries must uphold international law, respect humanitarian principles and work together to address regional and international crises\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Croatian minister also welcomed Pakistan\u2019s diplomatic efforts to promote dialogue and de-escalation in the Middle East, saying initiatives aimed at advancing peace and stability in the region were important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He also congratulated Dar on Pakistan\u2019s role in supporting diplomatic engagement and expressed support for efforts to encourage peaceful solutions to ongoing conflicts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Radman also called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during his visit, with the latter calling for expanding bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, information technology, connectivity, agriculture, tourism and skilled manpower.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the Prime Minister\u2019s Office (PMO), Radman praised Pakistan\u2019s role in promoting regional peace during the meeting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n During the meeting, the prime minister said Pakistan enjoyed friendly relations with Croatia, \u201cmarked by cordiality, mutual respect and shared interest,\u201d the statement said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHe expressed Pakistan\u2019s desire to further strengthen bilateral cooperation, particularly through enhanced trade and investment, information technology, connectivity, agriculture, tourism and skilled manpower,\u201d it added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While conveying his warm regards and good wishes to President Zoran Milanovic and Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, PM Shehbaz \u201cextended a cordial invitation to both leaders to undertake official visits to Pakistan, at their kind convenience,\u201d the PMO said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Croatian minister thanked PM Shehbaz for the warm welcome and said he was \u201chonoured to visit Islamabad\u201d and congratulated Pakistan and its leadership \u201con playing a prominent role in regional peace efforts\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He also expressed his government\u2019s desire to enhance Pakistan-Croatia ties \u201cin all areas of mutual interest,\u201d the statement added.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Web desk(National Times)- Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on Thursday that Pakistan and Croatia could utilise their geographic locations to unlock the \u201cenormous potential\u201d of their growth. His remarks came after he met with Croatia\u2019s Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grli\u0107 Radman, who is in Islamabad on a one-day […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":129081,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-129080","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-latest_news","entry"],"yoast_head":"\n<\/a>\u2018Croatia opens doors to the European market\u2019<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>International issues discussed<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Potential for collaboration between ports discussed<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>PM calls for expanding bilateral cooperation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n