The ministers described the two countries’ bilateral relations as very good and friendly, despite the geographical distance, agreeing on the existence of a regular dialogue on all the political levels, and concluded that there was mutual interest in deepening and expanding the bilateral cooperation, namely in terms of strengthening the two countries’ economic ties
The ministers described the two countries’ bilateral relations as very good and friendly, despite the geographical distance, agreeing on the existence of a regular dialogue on all the political levels, and concluded that there was mutual interest in deepening and expanding the bilateral cooperation, namely in terms of strengthening the two countries’ economic ties.
The collocutors agreed that the economic relations held unused potential, pointing out the need to intensify the cooperation between the Croatian and Korean companies for the purposes of increasing the trade.
Minister Jandroković invited the Korean side to invest in Croatia, emphasizing the importance of the Port of Rijeka as a link to the European markets, especially once Croatia joins the EU. As a proof of that he pointed out Samsung’s investments in the Port of Rijeka.
The ministers also discussed global shipbuilding trends. Minister Shin Kak-soo expressed understanding for the state of Croatia’s shipbuilding industry, saying that Korea was restructuring that sector as well, turning to producing high-end ships and relocating the production of traditional ones to countries with less expensive workforce.
Tourism was pointed out as an area with room for further cooperation enhancement. Minister Jandroković expressed satisfaction with the announcement of the first direct charter flight from Korea on 18 September 2010, which will surely contribute to the further rise in the number of Korean tourist visits to Croatia, given that in the first half of the year that number grew by 75% in relation to the same period last year.
The ministers also talked about the political situation in East Asia and South Eastern Europe. Minister Jandroković informed Minister Shin Kak-soo about the course of Croatia’s EU talks, adding that Croatia’s goal was to complete the process by the start of the following year.
Minister Jandroković congratulated on the City of Yeosu’s candidacy for EXPO 2012, which had been supported by Croatia as well, and invited his Korean counterpart to pay the return official visit the Republic of Croatia soon.
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