ZAGREB, 19 Feb (Hina) – Croatia and Egypt can work together to foster a more stable and prosperous Mediterranean, Prime Minister Andrej Plenković said in Alexandria on Wednesday, the final day of his official visit to Egypt.
“If we continue to build on our historical ties, economic partnership and shared strategic interests, Croatia and Egypt can strengthen their cooperation and contribute to a more stable and prosperous Mediterranean region,” Plenković said at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, where he delivered a lecture on Croatian-Egyptian relations.
He emphasised that the agreement signed on Tuesday to enhance cooperation between the Port of Rijeka and the Port of Alexandria represents a “natural step forward” in bilateral relations.
Croatia and Egypt are “united in their commitment to stability and peace, both regionally and globally”, Plenković stressed, identifying migration and climate change as two of the most significant challenges facing the Mediterranean.
However, he noted that the ties between the two nations extend beyond modern diplomacy and current challenges.
Describing Egypt as a “pillar of stability and a key driver of progress in the region”, Plenković referenced the expansion of the Suez Canal and the modernisation of the country’s railway network.
The two Mediterranean nations are also linked by people, he noted, mentioning the 3,000 Croatians who participated in the construction of the Suez Canal. Among them were notable engineers such as Antun Luković, a close associate of Ferdinand de Lesseps, who oversaw the canal’s construction, and Andrija Lončarić, remembered for removing the final barrier between the Mediterranean and the Red Sea.
Plenković also mentioned Jawhar al-Siqilli, the founder of Africa’s largest city, Cairo, and ruler of Egypt from 969 to 973 AD, who was originally from Dalmatia but was captured as a child and converted to Islam. Additionally, he referred to Herman of Dalmatia, a Croatian philosopher, scientist and translator from the 12th century.
Highlighting another key chapter in bilateral relations, he recalled the Croatian refugees who found shelter in Egypt during World War II. On the first day of his visit, he paid tribute to them at the El Shatt cemetery.
Plenković concluded his four-day visit to Egypt with his lecture at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina. During his stay, three cooperation agreements were signed and a business forum was held.
