State Secretary Bianca Matković received Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan

State Secretary Matković emphasised that with the recent accession to NATO Croatia had fulfilled one of its two primary foreign policy goals, and she briefly informed Minister Al Nahyan about Croatia’s accession negotiations for full membership of the European Union.

So as to additionally improve economic cooperation between Croatia and the United Arab Emirates, the possibility of exchange visits of businessmen and organising of economic forums were discussed. There are interests on both sides for investments in the oil and petrochemical industry, shipbuilding, tourism and the energy sector, with special emphasis on renewable sources of energy.

State Secretary Matković said that Croatia, owing to its geographical position, could serve the United Arab Emirates as a link for placing their goods on the markets of Central and West Europe through the Port of Rijeka and a modern freeway network.

The operation of the newly established International Renewable Energy Agency and the nomination of Abu Dhabi for the headquarters of this organisation were also discussed at the meeting.