ZAGREB, June 12 (Hina) - Croatian Deputy Foreign Minister Vesna Cvjetkovic Kurelec on Wednesday spoke in Berlin with officials of the German Foreign Ministry regarding bilateral relations, particularly with regard to strengthening
economic ties as well as Croatia's efforts to join Euro-Atlantic associations, the Foreign Ministry reported.
ZAGREB, June 12 (Hina) - Croatian Deputy Foreign Minister Vesna
Cvjetkovic Kurelec on Wednesday spoke in Berlin with officials of
the German Foreign Ministry regarding bilateral relations,
particularly with regard to strengthening economic ties as well as
Croatia's efforts to join Euro-Atlantic associations, the Foreign
Ministry reported. #L#
Following discussions on the state of bilateral agreements the
officials expressed their satisfaction with the fact that Croatia
and Germany have to date signed 26 international agreements while
another two important agreements in the field of economy are
already being prepared for signing - an agreement on employing
workers in companies where the head office is in Croatia for the
purpose of executing construction contracts and an agreement on
employing workers for the purpose of expanding their professional
and language skills.
It was concluded that the completion of procedures should be
accelerated with regard to an agreement on avoiding double taxation
and an agreement on air traffic.
The deputy foreign minister invited German investors to utilise
concessions being offered by the Croatian legislature. She
presented a tender for a list of Croatian hotels that will be
offered for sale soon.
During the talks about cultural cooperation there was reference to
"The Weeks of Croatian Culture in Germany" to be held in autumn this
year. Cvjetkovic Kurelec expressed satisfaction that the event
would be held under the high auspices of German president Johannes
Rau. She also thanked Germany for their financial assistance in
this presentation of Croatia's culture. Germany's contribution
amounted to 200,000 euros.
The agenda also included issues relating to Croatia's approaching
Euro-Atlantic associations, the realisation of obligations
assumed after the signing of a Stabilisation and Association
Agreement and the European Commission Report on Stabilisation and
Association in Southeast Europe.
The German side said that prior to the commencement of negotiations
on joining the EU, Croatia needed to conclude an agreement on
partnership relations with the EU which contains a series of
measures that candidates need to fulfil - and in which the EU would
be willing to assist. The negotiations themselves could last
several years.
That is why as far as Germany is concerned, a realistic date needs to
be set to submit Croatia's application for candidature. It is
important that each candidate be prepared politically and
economically for association.
Also present at the talks were state minister Christoph Zoepel,
state minister Guenter Pleuger and a delegate of the German Foreign
Ministry for stability in Southeast Europe, Michael Schaerfer.
(hina) sp sb