Pahad and the State Secretary for Political Affairs at the Croatian Foreign Ministry, Hido Biscevic, held political consultations between the two ministries. The guest was later received by Croatian Foreign Minister Miomir Zuzul in a courtesy visit.
The two sides said that relations between Croatia and South Africa were improving. Biscevic spoke of the basic guidelines of Croatian foreign policy, focusing on Croatia's foreign policy activities after being awarded the status of a candidate country for membership in the European Union, on Croatia's policy towards neighbouring countries and the importance of the situation in the region for the overall political and security situation in Europe, a Foreign Ministry statement said.
Biscevic asked for South Africa's support to the Croatian application for non-permanent membership of the UN Security Council for the 2008/2009 period.
The two officials also discussed bilateral cooperation in all areas and possibilities of its further promotion, particularly in the economic sector.
Pahad presented foreign policy priorities of his country, including eradication of poverty, promoting peace and security, strengthening African cooperation through regional and subregional organisations, and combating international terrorism and other threats to global security.
The talks with Croatian Parliament Vice-President Luka Bebic focused on cooperation between Croatia and South Africa, which was described as very good and unencumbered with any outstanding issues.
Bebic underlined the importance of Croatian emigrants in South Africa and said that they could serve as a bridge for the development of cooperation between the two friendly countries at political and economic levels.
Pahad said that the first step in this regard should be intensifying cooperation at the parliamentary level, the Croatian Parliament said in a statement.