ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Croatia have discussed expanding cooperation between their ports as both countries look to strengthen trade, investment and economic ties.
The discussion took place during a meeting between Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Croatia Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlic Radman, who visited Islamabad on Thursday.
According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, the two sides reviewed opportunities to enhance cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, labour mobility, visa facilitation, education, defense, climate change, tourism, infrastructure and information technology.
The officials also discussed cooperation between Pakistan and the European Union, along with regional and global issues of mutual interest.
Islamabad: 9 July 2026.
H.E. Dr. Gordan Grlić Radman, Minister for Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Croatia, called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif at the Prime Minister House in Islamabad, today.Deputy Prime Minister & Foreign Minister Sen. Mohammad… pic.twitter.com/IFphaQrFoX
— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) July 9, 2026
The Foreign Office said both countries recognized the importance of connectivity for sustainable development, regional stability and global economic growth. They agreed to explore potential cooperation between Pakistani and Croatian ports.
The two sides also decided to hold bilateral political consultations later this year or in early 2027 to further strengthen relations.
During the talks, Dar said the EU was one of Pakistan’s major trading partners and highlighted Croatia’s role as an important member of the bloc.
“We are committed to deepening Pakistan’s engagement with Croatia for a sustainable partnership and stronger cooperation within the EU framework,” Dar said.
He also mentioned the recent visit of the EU’s top diplomat Kaja Kallas to Pakistan and said Islamabad maintained strong relations with European leadership.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 received H.E. Dr. Gordan Grlić Radman @grlicradman , Minister for Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Croatia, and the Croatian delegation this morning.
Both sides discussed ways to… pic.twitter.com/5tA5ydj0u6— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 9, 2026
Radman thanked Dar for the invitation and said he was pleased to make his first official visit to Pakistan. He said the meeting provided an opportunity to review bilateral relations and identify new areas of cooperation, especially in trade, economy and business.
Describing Pakistan, Croatia relations as positive, Radman said there was further potential to expand cooperation between the two countries.
The Croatian minister also stressed the need for international cooperation amid ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine. He called for respect for international law and humanitarian principles to address global challenges.
Radman welcomed Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to support dialogue and peace initiatives, saying such steps were important for regional stability.
