Croatian Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlić-Radman. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — Croatia aims to strengthen and diversify relations with Việt Nam in a number of key areas, focusing on economic cooperation by utilising it's strategic position to promote trade and investment between the two counties, according to a Croatian Government official.

Talking to Vietnam News Agency on the the 30th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic ties (July 1, 1994-2024), Croatian Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlić-Radman said that over the past 30 years, bilateral cooperation has been enhanced remarkably, reflected through high-level contacts and commitments on economic, cultural and diplomatic affairs, including Vietnamese Vice State President Võ Thị Ánh Xuân’s visit to Croatia in October 2022, the two foreign ministries’ political consultations in 2023 and 2024, and a recent meeting of the two foreign ministers in France.

Croatia wishes to expand cultural, scientific and educational exchanges to promote mutual understanding and friendship between the two countries, he said, adding that cultural diplomacy plays an important role in promoting the rich history and traditions of both countries, while tourism cooperation remains a top priority, with efforts aiming to promote tourism and highlight their natural beauty and cultural attractions.

In addition, Croatia appreciates collaboration with Việt Nam at multilateral forums and is committed to working together to address global challenges such as climate change, sustainable development and regional security, the official said.

About potential areas for future cooperation at both bilateral and multilateral levels, Minister Grlić-Radman emphasised that there remains an ample room. By leveraging their strengths and common values, the two countries can build a strong partnership that benefits both countries and positively contributes to regional and global issues.

Within the framework of the EU-ASEAN relations, strengthening cooperation on political, economic and security issues is still important. Croatia is willing to support initiatives to promote dialogue and collaboration between the two regions.

Croatia hopes to further intensify coordination with Việt Nam within the framework of the United Nations (UN), and is ready to collaborate with the Southeast Asian country in global affairs, wherever the two countries have common interests. Other possible areas of cooperation could include reducing vulnerability to climate change which affects human rights of local communities, and improving their resilience and adaptation, he stated.

The official went on to say that the two countries' equal national-level commitments in implementing the 2030 Agenda and its sustainable development goals are a good basis for the cooperation and support of Việt Nam and Croatia at international forums at the global level.

To further promote bilateral relations, Việt Nam and Croatia need to focus on a number of important initiatives and actions such as to prioritise strengthening economic and trade cooperation, with Việt Nam's dynamic economy and Croatia's strategic location in Europe being the firm foundation to expand trade ties.

Efforts should be made to facilitate access to each other's markets, take advantage of existing trade agreements, and identify new areas of cooperation such as information technology (IT), defence industry or energy, he added.

The two countries should also intensify diplomatic dialogue and high-level visits, in order to help maintain the impetus and the resolve newly arising issues. The establishment of parliamentary friendship groups will also enhance the bilateral ties at legislative levels.

Croatia welcomes the expansion of consular and diplomatic networks in each other country, the minister noted. — VNS