The steps towards intensifying economic cooperation, tourism development and reintegration of the temporarily occupied territories were the topics discussed during a meeting by the Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal and the Prime Minister of Croatia Andrej Plenković on August 23.

Denys Shmyhal noted that the Government of Ukraine is interested in enhancing economic cooperation with Croatia in traditional industries, energy, agriculture, tourism, as well as in launching bilateral partnership in new most topical sectors. In particular in the field of digitalization and cybersecurity.

The Prime Minister of Ukraine commended the revival of bilateral business activity this year, which has a positive effect on the dynamics of trade between Ukraine and Croatia.

"An 18% growth in trade turnover over the past five months gives us optimism to resume the trend of increasing trade between Ukraine and Croatia," said Denis Shmygal.

The Head of the Ukrainian Government noted that Croatia's experience in reintegrating the temporarily occupied territories and rehabilitating veterans would be valuable for Ukraine. Andrei Plenković, for his part, emphasized that Croatia stands ready to assist Ukraine in these areas, as well as provide support in the issue of demining the territories.

The Heads of Government of Ukraine and Croatia also touched upon the issue of increasing the tourist flow between the countries. Denys Shmyhal stressed the importance of concluding an agreement on mutual recognition of vaccination documents, which will greatly simplify border crossings for citizens of both countries.

In addition, Denys Shmyhal invited Andrej Plenković to pay an official visit to Ukraine in October 2021 to hold a regular meeting of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation.

"Our joint participation in this event will be one of the key elements of strengthening cooperation. We are also interested in holding a bilateral Ukrainian-Croatian business forum within the framework of your visit," said the Prime Minister of Ukraine.

Denys Shmyhal added that the bilateral working group on cooperation established on the initiative of Andrej Plenković also remains an important mechanism of Ukrainian-Croatian partnership. During the meeting, the parties agreed to prepare for its next meeting.

The Croatian Prime Minister, in turn, thanked Ukraine for providing financial assistance to Croatia in connection with the earthquakes that had occurred at the end of last year and for helping to evacuate people from Afghanistan.

"Croatia has always supported Ukraine's independence and sovereignty. As a member of the European Union, we always back Ukraine on its path to EU membership and will support it on October 12 at the Ukraine-EU Summit," said Andrej Plenković.