Islamabad: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said terrorist groups operating from Afghanistan continue to pose a threat to Pakistan’s security and called for stronger international cooperation against terrorism. He also urged India to restore the Indus Waters Treaty and stressed that Afghan territory must not be used for attacks against Pakistan.
While holding a press conference with the Croatian Foreign Minister, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar said that we welcome the Croatian Foreign Minister and his delegation on their arrival in Pakistan. The visit of the Croatian Foreign Minister is an important milestone in the promotion of bilateral relations. This is a high-level visit by Croatia to Pakistan after a long time, which will prove to be the beginning of a new chapter in the relations of the two countries.
He said that there are strong ties of goodwill and mutual trust between Pakistan and Croatia. The two countries agreed to give a new dimension to political, economic and trade relations. Cooperation will be increased in various sectors including trade, investment, education, culture, defense, and progress will be made on the agreement on avoidance of double taxation between the two countries.
He said that efforts are underway to establish a Croatian visa processing facility in Islamabad, Pakistan should be relieved of the hassle of going to a third country for Croatian visas.
The Foreign Minister said that the increase in bilateral trade between Pakistan and Croatia is welcome, private sector ties will be promoted to further increase the mutual trade volume, the presence and business interest of Croatian companies in Pakistan are welcomed, Croatia should benefit from Pakistan’s investor-friendly policies.
Ishaq Dar said that cooperation between institutions in the fields of agriculture and research will be strengthened, coordination, sustainable development and economic integration are important parts of the shared vision.
He said that Karachi Port has the potential to promote trade and connectivity in the region, the possibilities of cooperation between the ports of the two countries have been discussed, and it was agreed to finalize bilateral agreements and memorandums of understanding soon.
The Deputy Prime Minister said that the GSP Plus scheme is an important pillar of economic cooperation between Pakistan and the European Union, Pakistan is preparing to reapply for GSP Plus in 2027.
He said that it was agreed to increase legal employment opportunities for Pakistan’s skilled workforce, joint measures are indispensable to eliminate human trafficking and illegal migration, Pakistan and Croatia believe in the principles of the United Nations Charter, sovereignty and peaceful resolution of disputes.
He said that Croatia has appreciated Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts in the Security Council, there is significant harmony in the positions of Pakistan and Croatia at international forums, Kashmir is a long-standing unresolved dispute on the UN agenda.
Ishaq Dar said that India should immediately ensure the full restoration of the Indus Waters Treaty, using water as a weapon is a violation of international laws and agreements, India announced the unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty.
The Foreign Minister said that Pakistan played an important role in promoting negotiations to reduce the recent Iran-Israel tensions, the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding is an important progress in promoting peace in the region, the Croatians have appreciated Pakistan’s diplomatic role for regional peace, all disputes, including Ukraine, should be resolved through negotiations and in accordance with international law.
The Deputy Prime Minister further said that terrorist organizations present in Afghanistan are a constant threat to Pakistan’s security, Afghan soil should not be used against any country, especially Pakistan, we condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations in unambiguous terms, the international community must intensify joint efforts to eliminate terrorism.
Croatia will continue to play an active role in global peacekeeping missions: Croatian Foreign Minister
The Croatian Foreign Minister said that he is grateful for Pakistan’s wonderful hospitality, it will be a pleasure for me to host your visit to Croatia, Islamabad is a beautiful and peaceful city, relations between Pakistan and Croatia are based on mutual respect and trust, the visit to Pakistan will play an important role in further strengthening bilateral relations.
He said that the two countries agreed to explore new opportunities for cooperation, there are possibilities for cooperation in technology, services, health, technology and tourism, Croatia has an important geographical position for accessing European markets, supports the multilateral system and the principles of the UN Charter.
He said that joint efforts are necessary for the promotion of regional and global peace and stability, steps are being taken to simplify the visa application process for Pakistani citizens.
The Croatian Foreign Minister said that he appreciates Pakistan’s constructive role and contacts during the war, that continuous dialogue is essential to address security challenges, that he values Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts, and that Croatia will continue to play an active role in international peacekeeping missions.
