Former Croatian president Josipović advocates EU, China cooperation

Former Croatian President Ivo Josipović has voiced strong opposition to trade wars and called for deeper cooperation between Europe and China based on mutual respect, shared interests and a commitment to global peace.
In a recent interview with Xinhua, Mr Josipović said trade wars were detrimental to all sides.
He said, “I’m not in favour of these trade wars. I think it’s harming everyone,” urging Europe to pursue long-term strategic interests by expanding cooperation with major partners such as China.
Mr Josipović, who served as Croatia’s president from 2010 to 2015, reflected on his long engagement with China.
He first visited the country in the late 1980s and has travelled there more than 20 times since.
He noted China’s rapid transformation over recent decades, saying the country has ample reason to take pride in its development achievements.
During Mr Josipović’s presidency, Croatia joined the European Union in 2013.
He emphasised that the steady growth of economic ties between China and the EU over the past five decades had benefited both sides and contributed to global stability.
Mr Josipović also highlighted the importance of mutual respect, adherence to international law and win-win cooperation in international relations.
He described China’s Belt and Road Initiative as a “good track” for cooperation and warned against creating barriers between cultures, states and peoples.
“A shared future is definitely the only sustainable future,” he said.
As an example of successful Belt and Road cooperation, Mr Josipović cited the Pelješac Bridge, a major infrastructure project linking two parts of Croatia previously separated by the sea.
As a composer and musician, Mr Josipović also underscored the role of cultural exchange in strengthening bilateral relations.
He described performing with the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra during a Spring Festival gala as an extraordinary experience.
He also noted his efforts to promote exchanges between Chinese institutions and Croatian artists.
“We should cooperate and learn about each other. That’s the most important concept in today’s world,” he said.
(Xinhua/NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette

Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Politics
Group hails Badejo-Okusanya’s emergence as NBA president
Women in Business and Politics congratulated Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya on her election as NBA president, stating that her emergence marks a milestone for women’s leadership.

Economy
CBN faces growth-inflation dilemma as MPC meets amid calls to hold or cut rates
Most economists expect the MPC to leave the MPR, the benchmark interest rate, unchanged at 26.5 per cent when it announces its decision on Tuesday.

Diaspora
Canada warns Nigerians, other nationals against immigration scammers
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued a scam alert on Sunday, warning the public against paying “fees for a chance to be sponsored”.

Rights
40 children, women drown in Jigawa boat crash
A boat carrying dozens of passengers capsized in the Malamawa community, Ringim council area of Jigawa, leaving at least 40 people drowned.

Heading 2
Osun governorship poll gathers momentum amid pre-election violence
Mr Adeniran said political thuggery was still dominant in the state despite efforts of security agents to check criminal activities.

States
Lightning strike kills six people in Adamawa
The police command in Adamawa has confirmed the death of six people following a lightning strike in the Ganye council.





