Pakistan and Hırvatistan Decided to Accelerate Visa Processes in Islamabad

Pakistan and Hırvatistan agreed to expedite the establishment of a Hırvatistan visa processing center in Islamabad. This step is expected to provide great convenience for Pakistani citizens who currently have to travel to other countries for visa procedures. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan İshak Dar announced this development following his meeting with the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Hırvatistan Gordan Grlič Radman in Islamabad. Both countries stated that they are making efforts to make the center operational as soon as possible. Officials anticipate that this step will significantly increase humanitarian relations and mutual visits between the two countries.

In the high-level talks held between the foreign ministers of the two countries, the expansion of bilateral cooperation areas was discussed. An agreement was reached to deepen relations in various sectors such as trade, investment, information technology, agriculture, tourism, education, defense, and transportation. The meeting also emphasized Hırvatistan's intention to promote legal opportunities for Pakistan's skilled workforce. Both sides pledged to work together in the fight against illegal migration and human smuggling. This comprehensive cooperation meeting signals that diplomatic and commercial ties between the two countries will further strengthen in the future.

The process of Pakistan's reintegration into the European Union's Generalized System of Preferences Plus (GSP+) framework was also one of the important topics discussed. İshak Dar stated that Pakistan has started preparations to rejoin this advantageous trade program before the new rules come into effect in 2027. Maintaining this framework is of vital importance for the Pakistani economy in terms of providing duty-free access to the European market. The Islamabad administration is seeking the diplomatic support of EU member countries, including Hırvatistan, for the successful conclusion of this process. Officials believe that this step will allow Pakistan to increase its export volume and make a positive contribution to its overall economic stability.

During the high-level contacts, the two countries reaffirmed their commitment to the UN Charter, peaceful conflict resolution, and international cooperation. Foreign Minister İshak Dar gave a detailed briefing to the Croatian delegation on critical regional issues such as Keşmir, Gazze, Afganistan, and the İndus Suları Antlaşması. Additionally, Pakistan's role in the diplomatic efforts regarding the understanding between the Amerika Birleşik Devletleri and İran was also discussed at the meeting. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Hırvatistan Grlič Radman praised Pakistan's role in the United Nations Security Council and stated that her country appreciates the efforts it shows for regional stability. Radman also expressed their desire to further strengthen mutual commercial and diplomatic relations with Pakistan in areas such as pharmacy, health, defense, technology, and food production.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Hırvatistan later met with Prime Minister of Pakistan Şahbaz Şerif, finding the opportunity to address the dimension of bilateral relations at the highest level. During the meeting, Prime Minister Şerif particularly emphasized Pakistan's strong desire to further develop its relations with Hırvatistan. The two leaders reached a significant agreement to increase cooperation in the fields of trade, agriculture, information technology, tourism, and qualified human resources. Prime Minister Şerif invited the Croatian leaders to Pakistan for an official visit in order to further advance bilateral talks. At the end of the meeting, Croatian Minister Radman thanked the Pakistani authorities for their hospitality and reiterated her country's determination to strengthen bilateral ties.