As part of his working visit to Australia, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlić Radman on Tuesday in Adelaide met with Prime Minister of South Australia Peter Malinauskas, with whom he signed a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation between the Croatian government and the government of South Australia.
The agreement marks a new chapter in cooperation and a significant step towards strengthening bilateral relations. The memorandum of understanding will strengthen existing cooperation and encourage cooperation in areas such as tourism, education, renewable energy, maritime affairs and fisheries, viticulture, IT, arts, culture and sports. The memorandum also provides a basis for improving investment and economic opportunities, academic and research cooperation, as well as the exchange of knowledge and expertise.
Grlić Radman underlined the importance of ties between Croatia and South Australia, pointing out common values and a strong bond based on the large Croatian community in South Australia. He highlighted the development of economic cooperation, stressing the importance of Australian investments in Croatia, notably from Adelaide, and the exchange of knowledge and fishery technology from Port Lincoln.
During his stay in Adelaide, the minister also held talks with President of the South Australian Legislative Council Terry Stephens. The officials welcomed the activities of the Friendship Group and expressed desire for intensifying inter-parliamentary dialogue.
The meeting with Governor of South Australia Frances Adamson was also attended by prominent representatives of the Croatian community. The officials emphasized the importance of the Croatian community in South Australia as well as the importance of the announced commencement of talks on the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement. Australia’s support for Croatia’s OECD accession was also underlined.
The visit ended with a meeting at the Adelaide Croatian Club with representatives of the Croatian community. Grlić Radman stressed the importance of their contribution to building bridges of friendship between the two countries. He especially praised their commitment to safeguarding the Croatian identity and the expression of common cultural values. He also underscored the importance of culture as a bridge that connects communities, announcing the Croatian government’s support for projects that promote the preservation of Croatian cultural heritage around the world.
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