The opening ceremonies were attended by the Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Croatia, Akylbek Kamaldinov, the Honorary Consuls of Kazakhstan, Zoran Marzic and Kruno Peronja, mayors of cities, business representatives, and the public from three of Croatia’s key regions.
Photo credit: mfa.kz
Two new Honorary Consulates of Kazakhstan have been opened in Croatia. One in Opatija will serve the Primorsko-Goranska and Istria counties, while the consulate in Split will cover the Split-Dalmatian County, according to the Kazakh Foreign Ministry, The Caspian Post reports citing foreign media.
The opening ceremonies were attended by the Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Croatia, Akylbek Kamaldinov, the Honorary Consuls of Kazakhstan, Zoran Marzic and Kruno Peronja, mayors of cities, business representatives, and the public from three of Croatia’s key regions.
In his address, Ambassador Kamaldinov emphasized that the establishment of these Honorary Consulates aligns with Kazakhstan’s ongoing systemic reforms and will provide a significant boost to strengthening Kazakh-Croatian relations. The primary objectives of the consulates will be to support Kazakh citizens and to enhance trade, economic, cultural, and humanitarian ties between the two countries.
The Honorary Consul in Opatija, Zoran Maržić, a successful and experienced businessman and head of the Tramontana Volosko Group of companies, assured attendees at the opening ceremony that the Honorary Consulate will serve as a hub for protecting the interests of Kazakh citizens. Additionally, it will play a pivotal role in fostering mutually beneficial relations between regions of Kazakhstan and the regions of Istria and Primorsko-Goranska Županija in the areas of economy, culture, and tourism.
At the opening of the Honorary Consulate in Split, Ambassador Kamaldinov highlighted the city’s significance, stating, “Split is not only a dynamically developing tourist center but also a promising region for the growth of trade and economic ties, investment, as well as scientific and humanitarian cooperation.”
During the ceremony, the Ambassador officially handed over the exequatur – a document granting the Honorary Consul the authority to perform his duties – to Kruno Peronja, the newly appointed Honorary Consul of Kazakhstan in Split. Ambassador Kamaldinov expressed his confidence that Peronja would work with dedication to strengthen and expand the friendship and cooperation between Kazakhstan and Croatia.
The mayors of Opatija, Rijeka, and Split, who attended the events, expressed their full support for the initiatives and activities of the Honorary Consulates, thanking the Kazakh side for their proactive approach.
As part of the ceremonies, a multimedia presentation showcasing Kazakhstan's economic and investment potential was organized, providing attendees with valuable insights into the country’s opportunities for collaboration and growth.
The Primorsko-Goranska County is home to major pharmaceutical companies, such as JGL d.d., which actively collaborates with Kazakhstan. It also hosts the Omisalj oil terminal, a key facility receiving more than 2 million tonnes of Kazakh oil annually. Split, the second-largest city in Croatia and a major tourist hub, is also witnessing active development in its IT industry and shipbuilding sector.
