The agreement was signed by President of the Croatian Olympic Committee Zlatko Mateša and President of the Japanese Olympic Committee Seiko Hashimoto, in the presence of Croatia’s Minister of Tourism and Sports Tonči Glavina and other officials.
The signing ceremony was also attended by top Croatian athletes Barbara Matić, who is also Vice President of the Croatian Olympic Committee, and former footballer Mihael Mikić, who had a long club career in Japan. Together with renowned Croatian goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa, they held an on-stage sports gathering. On this occasion, they spoke about sports and its impact, and engaged with visitors to promote Croatian sport, Croatian sporting achievements, and the values of Olympism. The signatories also spoke about the importance of the Agreement.
President of the Croatian Olympic Committee Zlatko Mateša stated:
“I am especially pleased that we signed the agreement with the Japanese Olympic Committee precisely within the framework of the Croatian National and Sports Day. In this way, we have best connected sport with the cultural and economic promotion of Croatia at Expo 2025. Cooperation with Japan opens new horizons for our athletes and experts.”
President of the Japanese Olympic Committee Seiko Hashimoto emphasized:
“This partnership is of great value to us, and the fact that the signing took place during Croatia’s Day at Expo 2025 gives it additional symbolism. Croatia is a small country, but with a strong sporting tradition and great results. We look forward to projects that will connect our athletes and promote Olympic values.”
Croatia’s Minister of Tourism and Sports Tonči Glavina added:
“Signing the agreement on Croatian National and Sports Day is a powerful message about how much sport means in the international promotion of Croatia. This event at Expo 2025 in Osaka brought together sport, culture, and tourism – our strongest assets in the world.”
