Prime Minister Andrej Plenković met with Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang in Sophia on Friday ahead of the summit of the 16+1 initiative, which begins in the Bulgarian capital on Saturday.

The PM confirmed that Croatia would host the next summit of China's initiative, which is aimed at intensifying and expanding cooperation with eleven EU member states and five Balkan countries.

He added that relations between Croatia and China have seen a significant positive shift this year.

“The fact that the China Road and Bridge Corporation was awarded the contract to build the Pelješac Bridge has opened a new chapter in relations between China and Croatia. This fact, coupled with the next summit, when the Chinese prime minister will visit Croatia, will contribute to strengthening cooperation between our small and mid-sized companies, and in tourism and transportation,” Prime Minister Plenković said.

Central and Eastern European leaders on Saturday will attempt to expand and deepen cooperation with China at the top-level meeting.