MESIC SAYS KATSAV'S VISIT WILL BOLSTER CROATIA-ISRAEL TIES

ZAGREB, July 11 (Hina) - Croatian and Israeli Presidents Stjepan Mesic and Moshe Katsav voiced confidence on Friday the latter's three-day visit to Croatia would contribute to the strengthening of political and economic ties between the two countries. #L# Katsav is the first Israeli president to visit Croatia after it gained independence more than a decade ago. "We talked in a friendly and open atmosphere and we hope this visit will be followed by even bigger cooperation in both the political and the economic sense," Mesic told reporters after the talks. Mesic said Katsav and he addressed all issues of interest to Israel and Croatia, welcomed bilateral and multilateral cooperation, and talked about the tasks awaiting Croatia in the fulfilment of its strategic goals -- access to the European Union and NATO. The two heads of state also discussed the situation in Europe's southeast and the Middle East crisis. "We also touched on our economic relations, which are good but can be much better," Mesic said. Katsav said he was pleased to be in Croatia and that even though he did not understand a word of what Mesic said in Croatian, he fully agreed with everything. He assessed the talks as very fruitful and constructive, confirming that all issues of mutual interest were covered. Katsav said he was very glad Croatia had made such dramatic progress since his meeting with Mesic in Jerusalem in 2001. Mesic was the first Croatian president to visit Israel. After meeting with Mesic and opening talks between the two countries' delegations, Katsav gave an address in parliament. The two presidents will later open a Croatian-Israeli economic forum at the Croatian Chamber of Economy. Before attending lunch organised by Mesic, Katsav will meet with Prime Minister Ivica Racan. (hina) ha