CAIRO, Feb 18 (MENA) - Prime Minister of Croatia Andrej Plenkovic affirmed his country's support for the constructive role played by Egypt in resolving the Palestinian issue and realizing peace based on a two-state solution with Arab, regional and international support.

During a press conference held here Tuesday - following an expanded session of talks with Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouli - the Croatian premier referred to Egypt’s serious steps towards the reconstruction of the the Gaza Strip and stopping the war that led to the death of many Palestinians.

Plenkovic also highlighted joint cooperation efforts with Egypt in the economic field, especially companies that have been operating in the Egyptian market for a long time, including Petrojet and ENA, voicing hope that these companies would increase their cooperation to contribute to prompting bilateral relations.

Regarding tourism cooperation, the Croatian prime minister said, Egypt and Croatia are favored destinations for tourist, given their location overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, underlining the importance of strengthening cooperation in the tourism domains, with a view to encouraging more tourists from Europe and the rest of the world to visit Egypt.

Plenkovic pointed out that Egyptian workers in Croatia are much appreciated, adding that his country was looking forward to concluding a bilateral agreement to further enhance cooperation in the labor sphere.

The Croatian prime minister said, during his current visit to Egypt he held fruitful talks to further promote the distinguished relations between the two countries.

"Historical relations were also discussed and we held a dialogue on all files of mutual interest," Plenkovic said. He pointed out that the current visit is his second to Egypt and is being crowned with the signing of three important agreements in the field of culture, investment cooperation and ports.

All efforts highlight the importance of the file of trade cooperation between the two countries, as well as linking the strategic Suez Canal with the ports of Croatia.

Plenkovic said that a number of Croatian businessmen are set to meet over the upcoming stage with their Egyptian counterparts to discuss opportunities to support cooperation in the fields of entrepreneurship and building partnerships in this field.

"We would also like to be part of implementing the cooperation strategy between Egypt and the European Union (EU) and support the role played by the new European commissioner in strengthening these relations," he noted.

The Croatian prime minister also said he is scheduled to deliver a speech Wednesday at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina and visit the landmarks of the city of Alexandria. (MENA)

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