Croatian Foreign and European Affairs Minister Gordan Grlić Radman will embark on a three-day visit to China starting July 20, marking a significant step in deepening bilateral cooperation between the two nations. The visit comes at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, with discussions expected to focus on economic partnerships, cultural exchanges, and multilateral coordination.
Diplomatic Priorities
The Chinese Foreign Ministry stated the talks will address shared interests in infrastructure development and green energy technology. Analysts suggest Croatia's strategic position as a European Union member could create new opportunities for Asian businesses seeking EU market access.
Economic Opportunities
Business leaders anticipate the visit may yield agreements in maritime logistics and tourism cooperation. Croatia's Adriatic ports could serve as key hubs for China's Belt and Road Initiative in Central Europe, while Chinese investment in sustainable infrastructure remains a priority discussion topic.
Cultural Bridges
The ministers are expected to announce new educational exchange programs and tourism initiatives. This follows growing interest in cultural tourism between the two countries, with Croatia's UNESCO sites attracting record numbers of Asian visitors in 2023.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com