BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 20. Azerbaijani
Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov met with Frano Matušić, State
Secretary for Political Affairs at Croatia’s Ministry of Foreign
and European Affairs, on October 20.


According to a statement issued by the Azerbaijani Ministry of
Foreign Affairs (MFA), the meeting focused on the strategic
partnership between Azerbaijan and Croatia and prospects for
further expanding bilateral cooperation. The importance of
high-level reciprocal visits and regular political consultations in
strengthening bilateral relations was highlighted.


The sides emphasized the need to increase trade turnover and
mutual investment, as well as diversify cooperation in traditional
and alternative energy, digital development, tourism and
agriculture.


In view of Azerbaijan’s strategic role, the discussions also
highlighted the importance of capitalizing on opportunities offered
by the Middle Corridor and providing mutual support on
international and regional platforms.


Cooperation between the Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan for
Mine Action (ANAMA) and specialized Croatian companies was also
discussed, with particular emphasis on the exchange of expertise
and the development of collaboration in demining. The Croatian side
noted that demining operations in Croatia had been completed in
March this year and expressed its readiness to provide Azerbaijan
with the necessary support in this area.


Croatian business representatives were invited to take advantage
of Azerbaijan’s favorable business environment, including the
opportunities offered by the Alat Free Economic Zone and the Baku
International Seaport. They were also encouraged to participate
actively in projects to rebuild territories liberated from
occupation.


Bayramov briefed his Croatian counterpart on the regional
situation in the post-conflict period and the peace process between
Azerbaijan and Armenia. The sides also exchanged views on other
regional security issues of mutual interest.


A further round of political consultations between the foreign
ministries of Azerbaijan and Croatia was held on the same day. The
Azerbaijani delegation was led by Deputy Foreign Minister Fariz
Rzayev, while the Croatian delegation was headed by Matušić, State
Secretary for Political Affairs at Croatia’s Ministry of Foreign
and European Affairs.