On October 22, 2024, Croatia welcomed its first-ever visit from an Iraqi foreign minister, Fuad Hussein. This landmark event marks a significant step in strengthening diplomatic relations between the two nations, focusing on economic cooperation and regional stability.
Key Takeaways
- First visit from an Iraqi foreign minister to Croatia.
- Inauguration of the Iraqi Embassy in Zagreb.
- Focus on economic collaboration in various sectors.
- Signed Memorandum of Understanding for political consultations.
- Commitment to regional peace and security.
Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation
During the meeting, Croatian Foreign Minister Gordan Grlić Radman and Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein discussed various avenues for enhancing bilateral cooperation. The focus was particularly on economic collaboration, given the interest of Croatian companies in the Iraqi market. Key sectors identified for potential partnership include:
- Energy
- Electrical Industry
- Infrastructure
- Demining
- Defense
- Pharmaceuticals
- Agricultural-Food Industry
- Green Transition
- Tourism
The discussions highlighted Iraq’s ongoing reconstruction and development needs, presenting a unique opportunity for Croatian businesses to engage in these sectors.
Inauguration of the Iraqi Embassy
A significant milestone during this visit was the official inauguration of the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq in Zagreb. This development is seen as a culmination of years of successful bilateral cooperation and is expected to serve as a catalyst for expanding dialogue across various domains.
Addressing Regional Challenges
The two ministers also exchanged views on current challenges facing their respective regions, including the situation in Ukraine and ongoing issues in the Middle East. Both countries expressed a shared commitment to fostering peace and security, not only in their regions but also on a global scale.
Memorandum of Understanding
A pivotal outcome of the visit was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on political consultations. This agreement aims to establish regular dialogue between the two countries on foreign policy issues, facilitating cooperation within the international framework. A symbolic start to this dialogue was marked by Deputy Prime Minister Hussein’s lecture at the Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, where he addressed current global challenges.
EU-Iraq Partnership
In a broader context, Croatia reaffirmed its support for strengthening the partnership between the European Union and Iraq. Both nations share common goals of promoting peace, stability, and prosperity, which were emphasized during the discussions. Minister Hussein expressed gratitude to the Croatian government and people for their contributions to the fight against terrorism as part of the international coalition.
Elevating Diplomatic Relations
The official visit of Deputy Prime Minister Hussein, which included substantive meetings with Croatia’s Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, and Minister of Economy, has elevated the diplomatic relations between Croatia and Iraq to a new level. This visit not only marks a historic moment but also sets the stage for future collaboration and mutual support between the two nations.
Sources
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Croatia – First visit from Iraqi foreign minister to Croatia, Ministarstvo vanjskih i europskih poslova RH.
