Kazakhstan and Croatia: Strengthening Path to Enhanced Cooperation

Zagreb, November 21, 2024 – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Murat Nurtleu, paid an official visit to the Republic of Croatia at the invitation of Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Croatia Gordan Grlić Radman.

This is the first official visit of the Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan to Zagreb, which marks an important historical milestone in the development of bilateral relations between the two countries.

During the visit, Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu held bilateral meetings with Prime Minister Andrej Plenković and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlić Radman, as well as with the leadership of the Croatian Chamber of Economy and leading Croatian companies.

The discussions focused on key issues concerning the current state and future development of Kazakh-Croatian relations, as well as cooperation within international organizations such as the United Nations (UN) and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). The two sides also exchanged views on pressing international and regional issues. The foreign ministers emphasized the importance of seeking peaceful resolutions to conflicts in Europe and the Middle East.

During the negotiations with the Croatian leadership, special emphasis was placed on the prospects for enhancing trade and economic cooperation. The parties identified key areas for joint efforts, including energy, transport and logistics, pharmaceuticals, tourism, agriculture, and information and communication technology (ICT).

The discussions also covered the role of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route in strengthening connectivity between Europe and Asia and fostering trade development. Additionally, both sides explored opportunities for deepening cultural and humanitarian ties between Kazakhstan and Croatia.

Following the negotiations, a Cooperation Program for 2025-2027 between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan and Croatia was signed, along with a Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation between the diplomatic educational institutions of both countries.

For reference: Croatia is a key trade and economic partner for Kazakhstan in the Balkan region. In 2023, bilateral trade amounted to 432 million USD, with Kazakh exports totaling 397.98 million USD and imports from Croatia reaching 34.03 million USD. Moreover, Croatia plays a significant role as an entry and transit hub for Kazakh oil destined for the Balkan region and Southeastern Europe.