ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - Pakistan remains committed to expanding its partnership with Croatia and enhancing cooperation within the European Union framework, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on Thursday.
Dar made the remarks during delegation-level talks with Croatia's Foreign and European Affairs Minister Gordan Grlić Radman, who arrived in Islamabad on a one-day official visit.
Welcoming the Croatian minister, Dar described the European Union as one of Pakistan's key trading partners and noted that Croatia is an important member of the bloc. He reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to building a sustainable bilateral partnership with Croatia while strengthening engagement with the EU.
Dar also referred to the recent visit of EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas to Pakistan, saying Islamabad maintains strong relations with the EU leadership. He added that Pakistan remained in close contact with European officials during last year's India-Pakistan conflict and thanked both Radman and Kallas for accepting his invitation to visit Pakistan.
Speaking on the occasion, Radman expressed gratitude for the invitation and said he was pleased to be making his first official visit to Pakistan. He said the talks offered an opportunity to review bilateral relations and explore new avenues of cooperation, particularly in trade, the economy, and business.
Describing Pakistan-Croatia relations as "excellent," the Croatian minister said there remains significant potential to further strengthen collaboration between the two countries.
Commenting on ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, Radman underscored the importance of international solidarity, respect for international law, and humanitarian principles in addressing global and regional crises.
He also welcomed Pakistan's diplomatic efforts to promote dialogue and de-escalation in the Middle East, praising initiatives aimed at advancing peace and regional stability. Radman congratulated Pakistan on its role in supporting diplomatic engagement and reaffirmed Croatia's support for peaceful solutions to international conflicts.
According to Pakistan's Foreign Office, the Croatian foreign minister is also scheduled to meet Pakistan's leadership during his visit as both countries seek to deepen cooperation in areas of mutual interest.