Kazakhstan Inaugurates Two Honorary Consulates in Croatia
Zagreb, The Gulf Observer: Kazakhstan has officially inaugurated two new Honorary Consulates in Croatia, strengthening bilateral ties and expanding its diplomatic presence in the region. The consulate in Opatija will serve Primorsko-Goranska and Istria counties, while the consulate in Split will cover the Split-Dalmatian County, according to the Kazakh Foreign Ministry.
The opening ceremonies were attended by Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Croatia, Akylbek Kamaldinov, newly appointed Honorary Consuls Zoran Maržić and Kruno Peronja, local mayors, business leaders, and prominent members of the public from Croatia’s key regions.
In his address, Ambassador Kamaldinov underscored that the establishment of these Honorary Consulates reflects Kazakhstan’s ongoing systemic reforms and will play a critical role in strengthening Kazakh-Croatian relations. The consulates are tasked with supporting Kazakh citizens and fostering trade, economic, cultural, and humanitarian cooperation between the two nations.
At the Opatija consulate’s opening, Honorary Consul Zoran Maržić, an accomplished businessman and head of Tramontana Volosko Group, emphasized the consulate’s commitment to safeguarding the interests of Kazakh citizens. He also highlighted its potential to promote economic, cultural, and tourism connections between Kazakhstan and the regions of Istria and Primorsko-Goranska County.
The Split ceremony highlighted the city’s strategic importance. “Split is not only a dynamically developing tourist center but also a promising region for trade, economic ties, investment, and scientific and humanitarian cooperation,” Ambassador Kamaldinov noted. He officially handed over the exequatur—a document authorizing duties—to Kruno Peronja, the new Honorary Consul in Split. Kamaldinov expressed confidence in Peronja’s dedication to deepening the friendship and cooperation between the two countries.
Local mayors from Opatija, Rijeka, and Split expressed their full support for the consulates’ initiatives, commending Kazakhstan for its proactive diplomatic approach.
The ceremonies featured a multimedia presentation showcasing Kazakhstan’s economic and investment potential. Attendees gained valuable insights into collaboration opportunities, with key sectors like IT, shipbuilding, tourism, and energy highlighted.
Primorsko-Goranska County hosts major pharmaceutical firms, such as JGL d.d., which collaborates with Kazakhstan, and the Omisalj oil terminal, a vital hub handling over 2 million tonnes of Kazakh oil annually. Meanwhile, Split, Croatia’s second-largest city, is experiencing growth in IT and shipbuilding, making it a significant partner for Kazakhstan.
These Honorary Consulates mark a new chapter in Kazakh-Croatian relations, fostering closer ties and collaboration across multiple sectors.
