The Croatian-Qatari Friendship Society was established in 2018 to foster international understanding and cooperation and enhance bilateral relations between the Republic of Croatia and the State of Qatar. It is grounded in the Constitution of the Republic of Croatia, international agreements between the two countries, and conventional and international law principles.
The main priorities of the Society are to strengthen cooperation in economic, educational, scientific, cultural, and other areas of common interest. Special attention is given to studying, understanding, and promoting Croatia and Qatar’s historical, cultural, and political ties. Collaboration is encouraged on scientific, artistic, humanitarian, peacekeeping, economic, and other projects.
The Society encourages the networking of scientists, experts, artists, and entrepreneurs to achieve common interests and projects beneficial to both sides. Additionally, it promotes research into scientific achievements, history, culture, economy, sports, and other areas of activity in Qatar, particularly among scientists, experts, and students from Croatia.
Asim KURJAK, President
Academician Asim Kurjak is a globally renowned scientist and physician. He serves as the President of the International Academy of Perinatal Medicine, Director of the Ian Donald School of Ultrasound in Medicine, and President of the International Academy of Sciences and Arts in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Additionally, he holds the position of Professor Emeritus at the Sarajevo School of Science and Technology. He is a member of the World Academy of Arts and Sciences, the European Academy of Sciences and Arts, the International Academy for Human Reproduction, the Academy of Sciences of the Puglia region in Italy, and the Academy of Medical Sciences of Catalonia and Russia. He is an Honorary American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology member. He actively contributes to the editorial boards of several international journals.
His scientific and professional works comprise 1,153 articles. According to the Google Scholar database, articles authored or co-authored by him have been cited 14,857 times, with an h-index of 67. Moreover, he has written or edited 123 books, published in 12 languages, making him one of the most prolific scientists globally. He has delivered hundreds of invited lectures at international conferences. He has been honored with numerous national and international awards, as well as honorary doctorates from universities in Banja Luka, Budapest, Barcelona, Bucharest, Athens, Montevideo, Moscow, Tomsk, Buenos Aires, St. Petersburg, Moscow (Russia), Tirana, and Khartoum.
He serves as the Chief Editor of the Donald School Journal of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology and is a member of the editorial boards of several international journals. Additionally, he is an Honorary Member of 15 international associations.
Otto BARIC, Vice President
Architect Otto Baric, one of Croatia’s most renowned architects, leads the architectural firm Baric&Partners in Zagreb and Doha. He is a member of the Croatian Chamber of Architects and Civil Engineers. He has realized notable projects in Croatia, Germany, Austria, Turkey, Finland, the Czech Republic, Iceland, and the Middle East for various pur. Among his many works, the project of the multifunctional hall for the 2015 Handball World Championship in Qatar stands out. The hall also serves as the home of the Qatari Handball Federation. The Croatian national team played all group-stage matches in this arena during the championship.
In Croatia, a particularly noteworthy project is the ongoing Westgate Split development – two towers, one completed in 2016, while the other will host the first Marriott hotel in Croatia with 200 rooms and feature ten floors of office and conference space floors. Upon completion, this tower aims to become the tallest building in Croatia, standing at 27 floors and 110m in height. The Westgate Split project was awarded the prestigious ‘The 2017-18 International Property Awards’.
Milan STANOJEVIC, Vice President
Milan Stanojevic is a renowned pediatrician and neonatologist with extensive experience and professional medical contribution. He graduated from the Medical Academy in Warsaw in 1979, after which he obtained postgraduate degrees in clinical pediatrics and perinatology at the University of Zagreb. With a Master of Science degree in 1991 and a Doctor of Science degree in 2006, Milan is a distinguished scientist, mentor, and educator.
Throughout his career, Milan has been an active participant in numerous scientific projects, a collaborator with UNICEF on breastfeeding education, and has held significant roles in the medical community as the head of neonatology departments in hospitals in Koprivnica and Zagreb.
His contribution to medical literature includes over 300 papers and 66 book chapters, and he edited seven books. Milan is also an active media participant and has received numerous awards and honors, including the Medal of the City of Koprivnica and the Global Maternity Prize.
His expertise and dedication are recognized in Croatia and worldwide, as evidenced by the high Polish award for promoting scientific and cultural cooperation. Milan Stanojević is a prime example of an expert whose work advances medical practice and brings positive change to the world.
Kresimir LUGARIC, Vice President Corporate Strategy
Bringing a wealth of expertise and a diverse corporate strategy and international relations background, Kresimir Lugaric is a driving force behind the Croatian-Qatari Friendship Society’s mission. With a rich history of leadership roles in renowned corporations and government institutions, our Vice President has accumulated a wealth of experience in driving impactful initiatives and fostering collaboration on a global scale.
Having served in key leadership positions at Dell/EMC Corporation and IBM Corporation, he has a proven track record of leading international teams and spearheading strategic initiatives resulting in meaningful partnerships and alliances. His strategic insight and innovative approach have driven growth and created a lasting impact in previous roles.
Additionally, our Vice President has played a pivotal role as a Special Advisor to the Minister for Innovation at the Ministry of Science and Education in Croatia, providing strategic counsel on innovation initiatives and fostering dialogue between diverse stakeholders.
Drawing on this rich background, our Vice President brings a unique perspective and a deep understanding of global dynamics to his role within the Society. His commitment to promoting cross-cultural understanding and driving forward-thinking initiatives makes him a valued leader within our organization.
MIROSLAV KOPJAR, member of the Executive Board
VLADIMIR PEZO, member of the Executive Board