Xinhua
18 May 2022, 19:00 GMT+10
- "I very much look forward to deepening our political relationship, our consultations, our economic cooperation," Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic told Xinhua.
- Plenkovic called China-CEEC Cooperation "an excellent tool for all of us in Central and Eastern Europe," resulting in several signed contracts, regular dialogue and mutual understanding.
ZAGREB, May 18 (Xinhua) -- On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Croatia, Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic told Xinhua he looks forward to deepening political relations and economic cooperation with China.
"I very much look forward to deepening our political relationship, our consultations, our economic cooperation," Plenkovic said in an exclusive interview with Xinhua.
Plenkovic said the last three decades of ties have been "excellent," noting that within the framework of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative, bilateral cooperation has intensified, and cooperation between China and the Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC) has been extraordinary.
The prime minister cited the Peljesac Bridge, constructed by the China Road and Bridge Corporation-led Chinese enterprises consortium, and the Senj Wind Farm, built by China's Norinco International, as two examples of bilateral cooperation, with the Peljesac Bridge being the most crucial piece of infrastructure in Croatia and the Senj Wind Fard contributing green energy to Croatian households and consumers.
Plenkovic called China-CEEC Cooperation "an excellent tool for all of us in Central and Eastern Europe," resulting in several signed contracts, regular dialogue and mutual understanding.
Moreover, he also called for more cooperation and dialogue between China and the European Union on global issues, including global security and peace and climate change, especially in the energy sector.
"We have witnessed the spike of energy prices, and I think in that respect, the global dialogue on energy issues and energy supplies is where the EU and China should cooperate, and that of course includes Croatia," he said.
Bilateral cooperation has grown over the years, Plenkovic said.
"We should cooperate more. I think we have a very solid basis. We have 30 years of cooperation and a very intensive period over the past couple of years," he said.
The prime minister recalled the moment when he made a telephone call to the Chinese side to seek medical assistance after the COVID-19 crisis. China reacted quickly.
China "stood by Croatia by enabling us to acquire sufficient amount of protective equipments of medical services and masks" and has ensured a sustainable and durable provision of supplies to Croatia during the pandemic. That was the moment that "I particularly appreciate," Plenkovic said.
On May 13, 1992, China and Croatia established diplomatic relations. Since then, bilateral ties have developed smoothly with fruitful exchanges and strong political, economic, cultural, educational, scientific and technological cooperation.
In 2005, China and Croatia established a comprehensive cooperative partnership, marking a new stage in bilateral ties.
Get a daily dose of Peking Press news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Peking Press.
More InformationREDMOND, Washington: Artificial intelligence is transforming Microsoft's bottom line. The company saved over US$500 million last year...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: A federal rule designed to make it easier for Americans to cancel subscriptions has been blocked by a U.S. appeals...
BASTROP, Texas: In a surprising turn at Elon Musk's X platform, CEO Linda Yaccarino announced she is stepping down, just months after...
NEW YORK CITY, New York: Former British prime minister Rishi Sunak will return to Goldman Sachs in an advisory role, the Wall Street...
LONDON, U.K.: Physically backed gold exchange-traded funds recorded their most significant semi-annual inflow since the first half...
AMSTERDAM, Netherlands: Some 32 percent of global semiconductor production could face climate change-related copper supply disruptions...
AMSTERDAM, Netherlands: Some 32 percent of global semiconductor production could face climate change-related copper supply disruptions...
RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil: At a two-day summit over the weekend, the BRICS bloc of emerging economies issued a joint declaration condemning...
DHARAMSHALA, India: The Dalai Lama turned 90 on July 6, celebrated by thousands of followers in the Himalayan town of Dharamshala,...
PARIS, France: French military and intelligence officials have accused China of orchestrating a covert campaign to damage the reputation...
CULVER CITY, California: TikTok is preparing to roll out a separate version of its app for U.S. users, as efforts to secure a sale...
HONG KONG: China has fired back at the European Union in an escalating trade dispute by imposing new restrictions on medical device...