Croatian Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor, who arrived in Cairo for a two-day official visit on Wednesday, held talks with her host, Egyptian Prime Minister Ahmed Nazif, on bilateral relations and on strengthening economic cooperation between their two countries.
The two officials signed a joint declaration on cooperation and partnership between Croatia and Egypt.
"I particularly pointed out the possibilities of our two seaports, Rijeka and Ploce. They may serve as a gateway for Egyptian products on their way to Europe and European Union member-states and Central and Southeastern Europe," PM Kosor told reporters in Cairo.
Egypt and Croatia cooperate well, which is evident in their trade which amounts to USD 130 million. We have compatible policies. Croatia is the leader in the Balkan region just as Egypt is at the helm of its region, said Nazif.
Also on Wednesday, PM Kosor was received by Egyptian Parliament Speaker Ahmad Fathi Sorour, whom she thanked for his cordial welcome and congratulated on the results of the recent parliamentary elections.
Speaking of the imminent completion of Croatia's European Union accession negotiations, Kosor said that as the 28th EU member, Croatia would strongly advocate the strengthening of cooperation between the EU and Egypt.
Kosor and Fathi Sorour also expressed satisfaction with bilateral cooperation and with mutual interest in upgrading it.
Kosor is visiting Cairo together with managers and executives of some 40 Croatian companies from 18 different sectors. Later in the day, an Egyptian-Croatian business forum was scheduled to take place.
The improvement of economic relations between Cairo and Zagreb was triggered off by last year's visit of Egyptian President Muhammad Hosni Mubarak and a large economic delegation from that northern African country to Croatia.
On that occasion, Egypt expressed its interest in taking a concession to operate the Port of Rijeka.
