Visit of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign & European Affairs of Croatia to India (October 20-22, 2018)

New Delhi: Ms. Marija Pejčinović Burić, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Croatia visited India from 20-22 October 2018. Visit by a Croatian Foreign Minister is taking place after about 17 years.

During the visit, Minister Burić had bilateral meeting with External Affairs Minister, Smt. Sushma Swaraj, in New Delhi on 22 October. Both Ministers held discussions on various aspects of bilateral ties as well as important regional and multilateral issues of common interest. The discussions between the two Ministers focused on building of cooperation in the priority areas of interest such as trade & investment, health & pharmaceuticals, science & technology, education, culture and tourism.

Two Agreements were signed to further enhance cultural and diplomatic cooperation between the two countries. The Ministers appreciated a long tradition of the Indology in Croatia and growing cultural relations.

The two Ministers exchanged ideas for expanding bilateral trade and investment ties and expressed desire to increase bilateral trade which stands at around USD 200 million to higher levels in the coming years. They expressed satisfaction at the investments made by Indian companies in Croatia and encouraged more investments from both sides in priority sectors.

The two Ministers had discussions on promoting closer cooperation in the field of health and pharmaceuticals and traditional Indian medicine systems, which are popular in Croatia.

They also discussed the possibilities of cooperating at the multilateral and international fora. Minister Burić expressed Croatia’s support for UN Security Council reforms, including expansion in both permanent and non-permanent categories of membership. She also reiterated Croatia’s support for India’s accession to the Nuclear Suppliers Group. Both sides affirmed commitment to fight the scourge of terrorism, its financing and safe havens. Minister Burić supported early conclusion of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism, mooted by India in 1996.

During the visit, Minister Burić also called on the Hon’ble Speaker of Lok Sabha on 22 October.

Minister Burić visited Taj Mahal in Agra. She is scheduled to depart India on 22 October 2018

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