Statement
As part of strengthening bilateral relations and expanding the horizons of cooperation between the Republic of Iraq and the Republic of Croatia, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mr. Fuad Hussein, paid an official visit to the Republic of Croatia from October 21- 23, 2024.
This visit reflects Iraq’s vision to deepen international partnerships and develop cooperation with the friendly Republic of Croatia across various fields, to serve common interests and supports the aspirations of the two countries in the future.
Underlining the depth of bilateral relations, Minister Fuad Hussein, and at the beginning of his visit opened the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq in the Croatian capital Zagreb. with the attendance of the Croatian Foreign Minister Mr. Gordan Grlić Radman. Minister Hussein tressed that the opening of the Embassy represents a diplomatic achievement that falls within the successes achieved by Iraqi diplomacy at the regional and international levels, noting that this development will enhance cooperation between the two countries across various fields.
During the visit Minister Fuad Hussein met with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia Andrej Plenković, in the presence of the Croatian Foreign Minister and the Croatian Ambassador to Iraq. The two sides discussed opportunities to enhance bilateral cooperation, especially in the oil and gas sector, in addition to mechanisms to support the partnership in various economic and investment fields.
Within the framework of enhancing bilateral coordination, Minister Hussein held a meeting with his Croatian counterpart Mr. Gordan Grlić Radman, at the headquarters of the Croatian Foreign Ministry, the meeting was followed by a joint press conference, in which the two Ministers reviewed the results of their discussions and affirmed the importance of continuing cooperation across various fields. A memorandum of understanding was signed on political consultations to deepen dialogue and coordination on issues of common interest.
As part of the visit program the Minister visited DOK-ING Company which is specialized in manufacturing advanced mine clearance vehicles and robots, and was briefed on the possibilities of cooperation in the field of mine action and hazardous materials. The Minister also delivered a lecture at the Diplomatic Academy of the Croatian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in which he addressed regional and international challenges and ways to enhance bilateral relations.
As well as Minister Fuad Hussein met with Arab Ambassadors accredited to Croatia, where they discussed the latest developments in the region, including the repercussions of the war in Gaza and Lebanon. In addition the Minister held a meeting with the Croatian Minister of Defense Mr. Ivan Anušić, to discuss prospects for joint cooperation in the defense and security fields.
On Wednesday, October 23, 2024, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, met with the Croatian Minister of Economy Ante Šušnjar, at the Ministry of Economy headquarters, at the end of his visit to activate economic cooperation.
During his visit Minister Fuad Hussein highlighted the importance of developing relations between Iraq and Croatia, and opening new horizons for cooperation including the fields of education, technology, and industry, expressing his aspiration to intensify cultural and commercial cooperation, which would positively reflect on strengthening ties between the two friendly peoples.
The Minister described the meetings he held during his visit as productive and constructive, stressing that they set clear goals to enhance cooperation between Iraq and Croatia. The Ministry will follow up on these efforts to ensure that the goals are achieved, which would contribute to promote bilateral relations to higher levels, and support the common interests between the two countries.
Iraqi-Croatian relations represent an important pillar for enhancing cooperation between the two countries across various fields, especially in light of the promising opportunities provided by bilateral partnership. Promoting these relations opens new horizons for cooperation in the fields of economy, energy, and technology, in addition to exchanging expertise in mine action, security, and defense. As well as strengthening cultural and educational cooperation also contributes to strengthening ties between the two peoples.
In the future, Baghdad and Zagreb seek to build sustainable partnerships that support common interests and enhance regional and international stability, which will contribute to achieve development and prosperity for the two countries.
Foreign Ministry of the Republic of Iraq
October 23, 2024