On Tuesday, October 22, 2024, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlić Radman received the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Iraq, Fuad Hussein, marking the first-ever visit of an Iraqi foreign minister to Croatia in the history of diplomatic relations.
The discussions between the two colleagues focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation, especially in the economic field, considering the interest of Croatian companies in the Iraqi market and the need for Iraq's reconstruction and development. Projects in the fields of energy, the electrical industry, infrastructure, demining, defence, pharmaceuticals, and the agricultural-food industry were mentioned, along with green transition and tourism.
The two ministers officially inaugurated the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq in Zagreb, a result of years of successful bilateral cooperation and a significant incentive for expanding dialogue in all areas.
During the meeting, they exchanged views on current challenges in the neighbouring regions of both countries, the situation in Ukraine, and the Middle East. Both Croatia and Iraq share a commitment to establishing peace and security in their regions and globally.
A new dimension in bilateral relations will be added by the signed Memorandum of Understanding on political consultations between the Republic of Croatia and the Republic of Iraq, establishing regular dialogue between the two countries' diplomacies on foreign policy issues and facilitating cooperation within the international framework. A symbolic beginning of this dialogue was Deputy Prime Minister Hussein's lecture to the students of the Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs on current global challenges.
In a broader, regional context, Croatia confirmed its support for further strengthening the partnership between the European Union and Iraq, based on shared goals of promoting peace, stability, and prosperity. The distinguished Iraqi guest expressed gratitude to the Croatian people and government for their participation in the fight against terrorism within the framework of the international coalition.
The official visit of Deputy Prime Minister Hussein, along with substantive meetings, including with Croatia’s prime minister, deputy prime minister and minister of defence, as well as minister of economy, has elevated the relations between Croatia and Iraq to a higher level.
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