Filipović spoke about the current development projects of the City of Rijeka and the importance of the port for the Croatian economy and Europe in terms of the transport corridors that pass through Rijeka. He emphasised the strong investment momentum in the improvement of transport and port infrastructure and the development of nautical tourism, both by private investors and companies owned by the Republic of Croatia. He emphasised the advantages available to Croatia in terms of EU membership and the use of European funds, as well as the advantages brought to Croatia by its entry into the Schengen system and the introduction of the Euro as the official currency, which would greatly facilitate the operation of Croatian and foreign companies.

Reception in honour of the Head of Mission of the Republic of Iraq in the RC

“Rijeka has a developed shipbuilding and repair industry as well as a strong pharmaceutical industry, but it also develops very well as a year-round urban tourism destination, which is confirmed by this year’s tourism records. Numerous cultural and tourist events that are organised in Rijeka, such as the Rijeka Carnival, greatly contributed to this,” said Filipović. He emphasised investments in sports and culture, mentioning many sports facilities built in recent years as well as the buildings dedicated to cultural institutions in the Art Quarter.

Mrs. Nazdar Ihsan Mohammed Sherzad, Minister Plenipotentiary and Chargé d’Affaires of the Iraqi Embassy, thanked for the reception and said that she would like to find common interests and establish cooperation.

Her wish is to get acquainted with the possibilities of improving cooperation between the two countries and, in addition to economic, establish contacts between Iraqi local self-government units at the educational, sports and cultural levels. Croatian companies already have some experience working in Iraq, but there is also great potential in the exchange of experience, especially in the fields of culture, sports and education. On the other hand, she also sees potential in cooperation between the Port of Basra and the Port of Rijeka in port operations. “We would be glad to consider the possibility of establishing friendly relations between Rijeka and one of the Iraqi cities, in due course,” said Ihsan Mohammed Sherzad.

In order to bring the two countries closer and establish the first cooperation between the cities, mayor Marko Filipović proposed that some of the Iraqi youth football teams participate in the international football tournament Kvarner Riviera in 2023, and invited representatives of the Iraqi Embassy to visit Rijeka during the Rijeka Carnival in 2023.