Azerbaijan, Croatia set ambitious agenda for economic and parliamentary collaboration

Trade relations between Azerbaijan and Croatia continue to expand, with energy holding a central role in bilateral economic cooperation, Speaker of Azerbaijan’s Milli Majlis Sahiba Gafarova said during a joint briefing with her Croatian counterpart, Gordan Jandrokovic, in Baku.

Gafarova highlighted that the meeting was historic, marking the first official visit at the highest parliamentary level between the two countries in the past 11 years, as per local media.

“There is a high level of mutual trade between the two countries, with energy occupying a special place in economic relations. Azerbaijan exports gas to ten European countries, including eight EU nations, among them Croatia. Discussions on expanding cooperation are regularly held, including within the framework of the activities of the Joint Commission for the Promotion of Economic Ties,” Gafarova emphasised.

The Milli Majlis Speaker also noted the existing potential for strengthening inter-parliamentary relations and expressed confidence that Jandrokovic’s visit demonstrates the mutual desire to fully realise this potential.

“We have invited our friendship groups to more active interaction. It is important to increase the number of mutual visits by MPs, as well as to strengthen contacts of delegations in international parliamentary organisations and provide support on issues of mutual interest,” she said.

Gafarova added that both Azerbaijan and Croatia can take pride in the achievements accomplished over the past 30 years.

Chairman of the Croatian Parliament, Gordan Jandrokovic, also spoke at the press conference, emphasising the strategic partnership between the two nations. 

“Today, Croatia and Azerbaijan are strategic partners and friends, with intensive political dialogue and strong economic ties. Croatia recognises and appreciates Azerbaijan's exceptional economic achievements, as well as its significant role not only in the South Caucasus, but also beyond. Together with my colleague, Mrs. Gafarova, we had a sincere and constructive exchange of views on various directions of bilateral relations, the situation in the neighbouring countries of both Azerbaijan and Croatia, as well as on current geopolitical challenges and security crises,” he said.

Jandrokovic also addressed the peace settlement process between Azerbaijan and Armenia, noting that Croatia strongly supports the progress achieved in normalising relations between Baku and Yerevan.

He further highlighted the role of SOCAR in supplying crude oil to Croatia, underlining the significance of energy cooperation.

“Croatia and Azerbaijan have reason to be satisfied with the steadily growing volume of mutual trade. Today, we discussed three meetings of the Joint Commission for the realisation and promotion of economic cooperation between our governments. The next meeting is planned to be held in Zagreb next year,” Jandrokovic added.

By Tamilla Hasanova