GERMAN CHANCELLOR SCHROEDER TO VISIT CROATIA ON OCT. 30

ZAGREB, Oct 25 (Hina) - German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder will pay a day-long working visit to Croatia on October 30, as the first German chancellor to visit the country since it declared independence. The visit provides an opportunity for an overview of bilateral relations, which both countries have described as good. #L# The German official and his hosts will discuss bilateral relations, the situation in the region, international security, Iraq, and reform of the UN. They will also talk about Croatia's integration in Euro-Atlantic associations. Relations between Germany and Croatia have been good for years at all levels, and Berlin has been offering Zagreb significant assistance in accomplishing its foreign policy goals - membership of the EU and NATO. The two countries also have a good economic cooperation. Germany is Croatia's second most important trade partner and the second leading investor in the country. German investments in Croatia total 1.7 billion dollars, accounting for 24 percent of all foreign investments. Before he arrives in Croatia, Schroeder will visit Slovakia and Serbia and Montenegro on October 29. The purpose of the visits is the deepening of political and economic relations with the three countries, the German government has stated. (hina) rml