- Published: 24.04.2025.
Minister Grlić Radman officially visits Kazakhstan
Ministers Grlić Radman and Nurtleu confirmed the strong bilateral relationship and discussed opportunities for intensifying economic ties and boosting trade, especially in the areas of energy, defence, higher education, and tourism. They also exchanged views on cooperation within international organizations and the establishment of student exchange programs, while interest was also expressed in launching direct seasonal air routes between Kazakhstan and Croatia. Grlić Radman voiced support for increased use of Croatian port infrastructure by Kazakhstani exporters.
The meeting with Kazakhstani President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev reaffirmed strong bilateral relations and shared strategic interests between the two countries, including cooperation in energy and regional connectivity. Both parties expressed their intention to continue a constructive dialogue and pursue joint efforts to strengthen ties for mutual benefit. Grlić Radman conveyed greetings from Prime Minister Plenković and confirmed his intention to visit Astana and participate in an international forum there at the end of May.
The minister expressed satisfaction with the recent EU-Central Asia Summit held on April 4 in Samarkand and the EU-Central Asia ministerial meeting on March 27 in Ashgabat. These meetings confirmed the mutual interest in strengthening cooperation between the EU and Central Asia, with Kazakhstan playing a special role due to its energy potential, wealth of natural resources, and key role in connecting East Asia with Europe. Speaking on Kazakhstan-EU relations, Grlić Radman said Croatia welcomes Kazakhstan’s leadership in promoting multilateral dialogue and supports enhanced cooperation with the EU within the framework of the Global Gateway initiative.
The meeting with the Chairman of the Kazakh Senate, Maulen Ashimbayev, focused on the growing interparliamentary cooperation. Both sides welcomed the recent visit of the Croatian Parliament delegation to Kazakhstan. Grlić Radman once again emphasized Croatia's commitment to expanding bilateral engagement in the economic, educational, and energy sectors.
The minister congratulated his counterparts on the 30th anniversary of the founding of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan, chaired by President Tokayev, which was formally commemorated on April 23 and 24. He expressed satisfaction with the recent launch of negotiations between the EU and Kazakhstan on visa regime simplification, which will enhance mobility between Kazakhstan and EU member states and have a positive impact on economic cooperation, student exchange, and tourism.
With Ambassador Aleska Simkić, head of the EU Delegation, Grlić Radman discussed the importance of growing cooperation between the EU and Central Asian countries, especially Kazakhstan, given its energy potential, natural resources, and vital role in linking this part of Asia to Europe.
During his visit, the minister also met with the Apostolic Nuncio to Kazakhstan, Monsignor George Panamthundil, with whom he discussed interfaith dialogue, religious freedoms, and the cultural and spiritual diversity of Central Asia.
At the Kazakhstan-Croatia Economic Forum, which brought together representatives from 25 Croatian state and private companies as well as numerous Kazakhstani firms, Grlić Radman emphasized Croatia’s readiness to be a reliable economic partner to Kazakhstan, particularly through the use of Croatian ports for exporting Kazakhstani goods to the European market. He noted that there are additional opportunities for successful cooperation in energy, tourism, transport, infrastructure, defence, agriculture, the pharmaceutical industry, and in green and digital transitions. He expressed satisfaction with the engagement of Croatian companies already active in Kazakhstan and those exploring new opportunities. The minister concluded that exchanges between the Croatian and Kazakhstani business communities would facilitate direct contact, foster long-term partnerships, and improve trade relations between the two countries.