Islamabad: 9 July 2026 — Acting President Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani today received Dr. Gordan Grlić Radman, Minister for Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Croatia, who called on him at Aiwan-e-Sadr.
Welcoming the Croatian Foreign Minister and his delegation, Mr Gilani described the first-ever visit of a Croatian Foreign Minister to Pakistan as a historic milestone in bilateral relations. He said Pakistan greatly values its longstanding friendship with Croatia, founded on mutual respect and goodwill and expressed confidence that the visit would provide fresh impetus to bilateral cooperation.
The Acting President commended Croatia’s remarkable progress over the past three decades and appreciated its important role in Europe and beyond, including as a member of the European Union and NATO. He noted that Pakistan remains committed to strengthening its engagement with Croatia, both bilaterally and within the broader framework of Pakistan’s partnership with the European Union.
Recalling that diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Croatia were established more than three decades ago, the Acting President underscored the importance of regular high-level exchanges and parliamentary diplomacy in strengthening bilateral relations. He encouraged the establishment of Pakistan-Croatia Parliamentary Friendship Groups to promote sustained interaction between the elected representatives of the two countries. He also extended a cordial invitation to the President of the Republic of Croatia, Mr. Zoran Milanović, to undertake an official visit to Pakistan at mutually convenient dates.
Mr Gilani stressed the need to substantially expand bilateral trade and investment, observing that the existing trade volume remained well below the potential of the two economies. He welcomed the growing presence of Croatian companies in Pakistan, including Infobip’s partnerships with leading Pakistani businesses and KONČAR’s contribution to the Chashma Hydropower Project, expressing the hope that these would pave the way for more Croatian investments in Pakistan.
Highlighting Pakistan’s favourable investment climate, the Acting President invited Croatian businesses to explore opportunities in information technology, renewable energy, agriculture, livestock, food processing, tourism and hospitality, urban development and water and waste management. He said the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) offers a streamlined mechanism to facilitate and support foreign investment.
The Acting President also emphasised the importance of facilitating the mobility of skilled Pakistani professionals, particularly in the construction, transport and hospitality sectors, noting that Pakistani manpower has made valuable contributions to the development of many countries across the Middle East, Europe and North America. He said closer cooperation in this area would serve the mutual interests of both countries.
Referring to regional connectivity, Mr Gilani proposed enhanced cooperation between Karachi Port and Croatia’s ports to facilitate greater trade with European markets. He also highlighted the potential for expanding collaboration in education, sports and information technology, noting Pakistan’s rapidly growing IT sector and expressing the hope that Croatia would benefit from Pakistan’s skilled and competitive digital workforce.
The Croatian Foreign Minister thanked the Acting President for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to him and his delegation. He reaffirmed Croatia’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with Pakistan and expressed confidence that enhanced political dialogue, parliamentary exchanges and economic cooperation would further deepen the friendly relations between the two countries.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining regular high-level contacts and working together to realise the full potential of Pakistan-Croatia relations across areas of mutual interest.
Secretary Foreign Affairs also attended the meeting
