Pakistan, Croatia agree to expand cooperation across key sectors, strengthen port links

Pakistan and Croatia agreed on Thursday to expand cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, defense and other sectors.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar held talks in Islamabad with visiting Croatian Foreign Minister Gordan Grlić Radman, and both sides also explored stronger port and transport links.

What did Pakistan and Croatia agree to cooperate on?

Pakistan and Croatia agreed to deepen cooperation across trade, investment, agriculture, labor mobility, education, defense, climate change, tourism, infrastructure and information technology. The agreement followed high-level talks in Islamabad between Ishaq Dar and Grlić Radman, who reviewed bilateral relations and discussed new areas of cooperation between the two countries.

Why are Pakistan and Croatia strengthening port links?

The two sides explored opportunities to strengthen cooperation between the ports of Pakistan and Croatia. Both countries recognized that regional connectivity plays a growing role in sustainable development, economic integration and stability. Discussions focused specifically on enhancing trade and transport links between Pakistan and Croatia.

What other topics did the ministers discuss?

According to Pakistan's Foreign Office, the ministers also exchanged views on Pakistan's engagement with the European Union. They discussed regional and global developments of mutual interest during the meeting. The talks took place at Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad.

When will Pakistan and Croatia hold their next round of talks?

Pakistan and Croatia agreed to convene the next round of Bilateral Political Consultations later this year or in early 2027. The Foreign Office said the consultations would help maintain diplomatic engagement and advance bilateral ties. No further details on the agenda were disclosed.

Why did Croatia's foreign minister visit Pakistan?

Grlić Radman arrived in Islamabad earlier on Thursday for a one-day official visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations. He was received at the airport by the Director General Europe-I of Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Ministry said the visit reflects a shared commitment by both countries to explore new opportunities for cooperation.

Pakistan has expressed its desire to strengthen its partnership with Croatia through closer political engagement. The two countries aim to broaden collaboration across the multiple sectors discussed during Thursday's meeting, the ministry said.