ZAGREB, 23 April (Hina) – Croatia wishes to boost its economic cooperation with Kazakhstan, notably in energy, defence, and the green and digital transitions, and due to tourism, it is also interested in establishing direct seasonal flights with the Central Asian country, Foreign Minister Gordan Grlić Radman said on Wednesday.

He is in the Kazakh capital of Astana today and tomorrow to mark the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the country’s parliament, on which he congratulated the national leadership who welcomed him.

Kazakhstan holds particular significance in Asia due to its energy potential, wealth of natural resources and important role in connecting East Asia and Europe. For this reason, Croatia is showing increasing interest in strengthening economic cooperation, according to a statement from the Foreign Ministry.

The areas of particular interest include energy, transport and infrastructure, defence, green and digital transitions, pharmaceuticals, tourism and agriculture.

Grlić Radman confirmed Prime Minister Andrej Plenković’s intention to visit Kazakhstan and participate in the Astana International Forum at the end of May.

He held talks with his counterpart Murat Nurtleu and was received by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, and Parliament Speaker Maulen Ashimbayev.

Kazakhstan and the EUВ are enjoying growing cooperation, with a major step being the launch of negotiations on the simplification of the visa regime, said Grlić Radman.

“The conclusion of this agreement will enable greater mobility between Kazakhstan and EU member states, which will have a positive impact on economic cooperation, student exchanges, and tourism”, the ministry’s statement read.