The Croatian Embassy in Morocco, Rabat, celebrated its national day and the tenth anniversary of its accession to the European Union on March 30th, the event was attended by prominent personalities, ambassadors from various countries, as well as the Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication, Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid.
During the event, the Croatian ambassador to Morocco, Jasna Mileta, and Bensaid expressed their gratitude and happiness for the bilateral relations between Croatia and Morocco.
The Moroccan-Croatian diplomatic relations will mark their thirty-first anniversary in the upcoming days on June 26th. What brings Morocco and Croatia together in their diplomatic relations? and what are the main attractions for Moroccan tourists visiting the Pearl of the Adriatic?
Moroccan-Croatian Relations: History and Perspectives
Diplomatic relations between the Kingdom of Morocco and the Republic of Croatia date back to 1992 when Croatia established diplomatic relations with Morocco after its independence from Yugoslavia. Since then, the relations between the two countries have witnessed continuous development in various fields, indicating the willingness of both parties to enhance cooperation and expand partnership prospects.
The countries have signed several agreements covering various fields, in addition to cooperation in combating terrorism, illegal migration, and human trafficking.
Cooperations between the two countries
In February 2019, Morocco and Croatia signed three cooperation agreements in the fields of comprehensive partnership, tourism, and health. The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Nasser Bourita, and the Croatian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Affairs, Marija Pejčinović Burić, signed a memorandum of understanding related to establishing a comprehensive long-term partnership, an agreement on cooperation in the field of tourism, and a memorandum of understanding in the field of health.
Under the memorandum of understanding on a comprehensive long-term partnership, Morocco and Croatia commit to expressing their commitment to establishing a comprehensive long-term partnership through cooperation in political, parliamentary, economic, cultural, social, and development areas, with the aim of achieving development in both countries.
The Croatian President of the European Affairs Committee in the Croatian Parliament, Domagoj Ivan Milošević, emphasized last year, the need to strengthen the dynamics of bilateral relations between the two countries in the economic and trade sectors through relevant partnerships.
The agreement signed between the two countries in 2019 regarding cooperation in the field of tourism aims to create a conducive environment for long-term cooperation in the tourism sector that benefits both countries. Under this agreement, the two parties enhance the exchange of information in the areas of tourism development strategies, incentive measures to attract tourism investments in both countries, training systems at all levels, and the exchange of documents and regulations governing the sector.
Why is Croatia an attractive tourist destination for Moroccans?
Croatia is known for its magnificent coastline along the Adriatic Sea, towering mountains in the north, stunning landscapes of national parks, and more than 1200 islands and charming beaches on the Adriatic coast, Moroccans can enjoy white sandy beaches, clear waters, and picturesque mountain views.
Croatia hosts splendid historical cities such as Dubrovnik, Split, and Zagreb. These cities are characterized by their beautiful ancient architecture, historical palaces, churches, and museums, Moroccans can explore Croatia’s cultural and historical heritage by visiting these sites.
Moroccan tourists can taste fresh seafood such as fish and seafood dishes, in addition to grilled meats and other local dishes, traditional Croatian cuisine is one of the main attractions for tourists, as it is known for its diversity and wonderful flavors,
Croatia offers a variety of recreational and sports activities for tourists, such as diving, boat trips, cycling in scenic rural areas, and long walks in stunning national parks.
Safety is the most important thing when we choose our next destination, and Croatia excels in this aspect. The country is considered a safe destination for tourists, thanks to its strong and stable security system, Croatia stands out as a top choice for those seeking a safe and pleasant destination.
What are the commonalities between the two countries?
Despite geographical and cultural differences, Morocco and Croatia share some commonalities in terms of cultural and geographic heritage, as well as the rich diversity in traditional cuisine and handicrafts.
Both countries have rich traditions in handicrafts and traditional artwork. Whether it’s the carpet and textile industry in Morocco or the craftsmanship of textiles, embroidery, and doll-making in Croatia, these industries reflect the countries’ rich cultural heritage.
Morocco and Croatia share some common cultural elements. For example, both countries have a rich tradition of pottery and ceramics. Morocco is known for its beautiful Andalusian motifs and designs in traditional pottery, while Croatia is famous for traditional pottery-making techniques in regions such as Zagorje, Čaršija, and Topani.