"Croatia and Russia are developing extremely good friendly relations. Since there are no outstanding issues between our two countries, our talks did not focus on resolving problems but on strengthening cooperation," Zuzul told reporters after the meeting.
Further strengthening of economic cooperation and the Druzba Adria project were among the topics discussed at all the meetings Lavrov had in Zagreb on Friday. The Russian foreign minister had separate meetings with President Stjepan Mesic, Parliament President Vladimir Seks and Prime Minister Ivo Sanader.
Lavrov told reporters that there was common interest in promoting cooperation on investment, particularly in the energy sector and tourism. He added that the two countries would work on agreements that would improve economic cooperation.
"We also discussed the Druzba Adria project and agreed to continue working on all environmental studies that may show not only economic profitability but also environmental justification for such a project," Zuzul said.
Lavrov said that Russia was pleased with the fact that Croatian authorities had shown interest in implementing the Druzba Adria project, adding that Russian authorities respected Croatia's need to consider all issues relating to environmental aspects of the project.
"We have received assurances that in deciding on the project Croatia will take into account only environmental concerns, while elements that have nothing to do with ecology will not be taken into consideration," Lavrov said.
The two foreign ministers also discussed the future of international institutions, such as the United Nations and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), and the roles of their countries in the institutions. The talks also focused on a draft bilateral agreement on the prevention of organised crime, which is currently under consideration.
Zuzul said that both sides were interested in liberalising visa requirements and that the consular departments of the two countries' foreign ministries would meet in Moscow early next month for consultations on the matter, after which they would sign an agreement similar to those Russia had signed with Italy, France and Germany.
Asked when Russian President Vladimir Putin would visit Croatia, Lavrov said that Putin had not forgotten about Mesic's invitation, and that a meeting would take place when the two presidents coordinated their schedules.
Zuzul said he was firmly confident that Lavrov's visit to Croatia opened a new chapter in cooperation between the two countries and that their good and friendly relations would become even more concrete.