ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Croatia have agreed to establish a Croatian visa processing facility in Pakistan, a move expected to simplify the visa application process and strengthen people-to-people contacts between the two countries.
The development came as Pakistan and Croatia issued a joint communiqué following talks between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Croatian Foreign Minister Dr Gordan Grlić Radman in Islamabad.
According to the communiqué, both sides held detailed discussions on bilateral relations, as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest, and reaffirmed their commitment to further deepening cooperation.
The Croatian foreign minister’s visit was described as an important milestone in strengthening bilateral ties. The two ministers agreed to maintain high-level engagements and expand cooperation in trade, investment and development.
They also pledged to enhance collaboration in climate change, tourism, infrastructure, information technology and port development. Both sides agreed to expedite the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the diplomatic academies of Pakistan and Croatia.
The two countries also agreed to establish a Croatian visa processing facility in Pakistan, which is expected to make visa procedures easier and promote greater interaction between the peoples of both countries.
The joint communiqué said both ministers agreed to make full use of the bilateral political consultation mechanism and maintain regular diplomatic engagement. They also stressed the need to improve market access and strengthen business-to-business links.
Given their strategic geographical locations, both sides discussed connectivity and logistics. Pakistan expressed keen interest in remaining engaged under relevant European Union frameworks, while Croatia acknowledged Pakistan’s intention to reapply for the EU’s GSP+ trade scheme.
The Foreign Office said the two sides welcomed growing cooperation in migration and labour mobility and recognised the potential for creating legal pathways for skilled Pakistani workers to Croatia.
They also expressed readiness to expand cooperation in culture, education, science and research.
