British News Agency

Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic hosted Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder in Zagreb.

Speaking after the meeting about relations between Croatia and Bavaria, Plenkovic said, “We appreciate the excellent relations maintained by Croatia and Bavaria.”

Referring to Croats living in Bavaria, Plenkovic said, “We emphasized the importance of more than 110,000 Croats living in Bavaria. They are excellently integrated into Bavarian society and at the same time form a strong link between Croatia and Bavaria.”

Noting that a significant share of German tourists visiting Croatia come from Bavaria, Plenkovic said, “Forty percent of the 3.1 million German tourists who visit Croatia every year come from Bavaria. We appreciate their contribution to the growth of Croatian tourism.”

Plenkovic also addressed economic relations, saying, “Economic relations are at a high level. Trade volume amounts to €1.8 billion.” He noted that many Bavarian companies operate in Croatia and that part of the defense equipment ordered from Germany is manufactured in Bavaria.

Regarding cooperation in the energy sector, Plenkovic said, “We are pleased with our cooperation in energy. Since Minister-President Söder’s last visit, Croatia has increased the capacity of our LNG terminal on Krk to 6.1 billion cubic meters of gas annually, and we have invested in new natural gas pipelines through REPowerEU.”

Plenkovic said the meeting also addressed European Union enlargement, with a particular focus on Bosnia and Herzegovina. “We also discussed relations with our neighboring countries, preparations for the new 2027-2034 Multiannual Financial Framework and the overall situation in the world,” he said.

Plenkovic said Russia’s attack on Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East were also discussed, drawing attention to the impact of these developments on economic conditions in Europe.

Congratulating Germany on German Unity Day, Plenkovic said, “We continue to strengthen partnership relations with Germany and its federal states.”

Plenkovic also sent his regards to Bavarian Minister of Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Tourism Michaela Kaniber, who is of Croatian origin, and Minister of State for Federal Affairs Florian Herrmann.