Deputy Foreign Minister of Indonesia, Anis Matta, met with Croatia’s State Secretary for Political Affairs, Frano Matusic, in Zagreb to strengthen bilateral cooperation in economics, labor, and investment. Anis highlighted that Croatia, having seen substantial economic progress since joining the European Union in 2013 having seen substantial economic progress since joining the European Union in 2013 and the Eurozone in 2023, now faces a growing demand for foreign skilled workers—especially in construction and hospitality. This demand opens significant employment opportunities for Indonesian migrant workers. Additionally, Croatia expressed interest in collaborating in the energy sector, particularly in the development of oil and gas pipeline networks to position itself as a regional energy hub.
Anis Matta also emphasized Croatia’s strategic ports, such as Rijeka, as potential gateways for Indonesian exports into European markets. He expressed hope that this meeting would deepen strategic cooperation that benefits both nations. Prior to this, on Monday, Anis met Croatian Foreign Minister Gordan Grlić-Radman and visited Osijek, where an Indonesian-funded Istiqlal Mosque is planned, supported by donations and philanthropic organizations from Indonesia.
