State Secretary Matušić participates in videoconference of 17+1 national coordinators

<p style="text-align: justify;"> National coordinators of the 17+1 (Cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European Countries) held a videoconference on Monday. Representing Croatia was State Secretary for Political Affairs Frano Matu&scaron;ić, while Chinese Deputy Foreign Minister Qin Gang chaired the meeting.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> The goal of the meeting was to coordinate and prepare for the upcoming 17+1 summit, announced for 9 February 2021. The participants also discussed the impact of the COVID-19 and the post-pandemic recovery.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> Addressing the event, Matu&scaron;ić underlined Croatia&rsquo;s three main areas of cooperation within the initiative: infrastructure, tourism and small- and midsized entrepreneurships. He also highlighted the potential for cooperation in the areas of scientific research, education, environmental protection and sports. Concluding his address, the state secretary thanked all the countries that had offered assistance and expressed solidarity in the wake of the earthquake in Sisak-Moslavina County.</p>

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