Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Marija Pejčinović Burić 1 March 2018 received the Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Mohammad Javad Zarif.
The two officials underlined the traditionally friendly relations, expressing a wish to expand bilateral cooperation, notably in the area of economy.
Pejčinović Burić and Zarif exchanged opinions on topics of mutual interest, with an emphasis on Southeast Europe and the Middle East. They highlighted potential areas of cooperation between the two countries once the sanctions against Iran are lifted, such as shipbuilding, energy, transport, tourism and food industry. In that regard, an economic forum was held during the Iranian FM’s visit, which was attended by representatives of Croatian and Iranian business communities. Pejčinović Burić and Zarif also discussed strengthening the cooperation in the area of education, science and culture.
The Croatian FM voiced Croatia and EU’s position on the need to carry on with preserving and implementing the JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action). She said Croatia advocated easing of tensions in the Middle East based on a constructive role of and cooperation among regional participants and other international actors.