The attendees of the reception discussed how to improve cooperation between the Primorje-Gorski Kotar County and Rijeka with Azerbaijan in the field of culture and the economy.

The Ambassador thanked for the warm welcome and a productive meeting in Rijeka, which he had first officially visited two years ago.

“Croatia and Azerbaijan foster very good relationships, which they are constantly striving to improve. I believe that cultural cooperation can bridge the gap that diplomacy cannot. Therefore, at today’s meeting, in addition to improving relations in the economy, we also discussed cooperation in the cultural field. Unfortunately, due to the situation with the coronavirus pandemic, a number of cultural projects could not be implemented, but I believe that such a situation will not last forever and that we will implement the projects that will enable better understanding of members of the two nations, “said Ambassador Gurbanov.

Sandra Krpan, Rijeka deputy mayor and Andrija Karafilipović, Coordination of Croatian Friendship Associations

Sandra Krpan, Rijeka deputy mayor, pointed out that the City of Rijeka was extremely honoured for having had the opportunity to host again the Azerbaijani Ambassador.

“Unfortunately, as part of the project Rijeka 2020 – European Capital of Culture, we did not realise the planned exhibition and concert, but I believe that very soon the opportunity will open for their implementation and cultural cooperation between Rijeka and Azerbaijan,” said deputy mayor Krpan.

Petar Mamula, deputy president of the Primorje-Gorski Kotar County expressed satisfaction with a number of economic and tourism initiatives launched by the Ambassador of Azerbaijan, which, unfortunately, had been slowed down due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The meeting was held on the initiative of Andrija Karafilipović on behalf of the Coordination of Croatian Friendship Associations.