MAKASSAR: Acting Governor of South Sulawesi Zudan Arif Fakhrulloh said the Honorary Consulate of Croatia, officially opened in Makassar, recently, would open up opportunities for Croatia and South Sulawesi to forge cooperation in various sectors apart from tourism.
“We have plenty of opportunities for cooperation, including in investment and education,” he said in a press statement received from the South Sulawesi provincial government here Saturday.
Fakhrulloh also said he viewed the inauguration of the honorary consulate office of Croatia in Makassar as a new milestone in relations between Croatia and South Sulawesi.
Meanwhile, Honorary Consul of Croatia in Makassar Munafri Arifuddin remarked that the Republic of Croatia is a country whose tourism sector contributes to over 70 percent of its income.
He drew attention to the similarities in terms of the geographical conditions and coastlines of Croatia and South Sulawesi, while adding that the Balkan state has been successful in optimally managing its tourism sector and hotel industry.
“We are similar when it comes to sea and tourism,” he remarked.
Arifuddin further highlighted that Croatia is unique and different from other European nations, noting that the country recorded around 20 million tourist visits last year despite its population standing at only about four million.
“This consulate is expected to bring benefits to South Sulawesi. We have many things to cooperate in, especially tourism, human resources, education, and trade,” he concluded.
Director General of Political Affairs at the Croatian Foreign and European Affairs Ministry, Petar Mihatov, who was present at the inauguration ceremony, praised the South Sulawesi government and people for their hospitality.
He also expressed belief that the newly launched consulate would set a precedent for other countries to open their consulates in Makassar.
