Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlić Radman on 30 and 31 March 2021 paid an official visit to the Arab Republic of Egypt.
The minister first held talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, discussing the importance of stability in the Middle East, a stronger economic cooperation and other topics of mutual interest.
Later in the day, Grlić Radman met with his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry. The two ministers underscored excellent relations between Croatia and Egypt and discussed additional strengthening of cooperation in a number of areas of mutual interest as well as various foreign policy topics, such as the situation in the Middle East and the Southern Neighbourhood, curbing illegal migration and EU-Egypt relations.
“As far as our bilateral cooperation is concerned, there is room to advance economic trade. That is why representatives of the Croatian business community have joined us on this visit and held meetings with their Egyptian colleagues. In the future, we expect more business deals and synergy between our countries,” Grlić Radman told the press, adding that Egypt gives Croatia an opportunity to access a market of almost a billion people.
The minister underlined sustainable tourism as one of Croatia and Egypt’s joint goals. “Both our countries are a part of the Mediterranean and share the interest in the welfare of this region. Our rich history and natural beauties make tourism an important industry,” he said.
Croatia has donated 100 books for the new capital city, to be located somewhere between Cairo and the Red Sea. Grlić Radman handed over the books, donated by the Ministry of Culture and Media, the Ministry of Science and Education and the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs. The books are in Croatian, English and French, and deal with Croatian literature, language, history, natural heritage and beauty. “We hope the donation will contribute to the recognisability of our historical and cultural heritage as well as our natural beauties,” the minister said.
In addition, Grlić Radman held talks with Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Tarek El-Molla, discussing boosting cooperation in energy efficiency and renewable resources.