ZAGREB, July 4 (Hina) - Cooperation between Croatia and Bulgaria, which is not burdened by any open questions, should be strengthened in the field of economy; the construction of a road linking Zagreb and Sofia is an idea that the two
countries could present jointly to European partners, the presidents of the two countries, Stjepan Mesic and Georgi Prvanov, said in Zagreb on Thursday.
ZAGREB, July 4 (Hina) - Cooperation between Croatia and Bulgaria,
which is not burdened by any open questions, should be strengthened
in the field of economy; the construction of a road linking Zagreb
and Sofia is an idea that the two countries could present jointly to
European partners, the presidents of the two countries, Stjepan
Mesic and Georgi Prvanov, said in Zagreb on Thursday. #L#
President Prvanov arrived in Zagreb on Thursday at the head of a
Bulgarian state delegation on an official return visit at the
invitation of President Mesic. During the visit, to last until July
7, President Prvanov will meet Croatian officials to discuss the
intensifying of bilateral relations, particularly in the economy,
as well as the situation in the region and rapprochement with the
European Union.
"We have agreed that there is not a single open question between our
two countries. In fact, on the contrary, there is a close co-
operation," Croatia's president told journalists following his
talks with Prvanov.
"Unfortunately, our co-operation is not sufficient in the
economy," Mesic said.
Political relations between the two countries "are exceptionally
good and dynamic", the Bulgarian president said, adding that there
were objective reasons for the mutual dissatisfaction with the
level of economic co-operation, primarily underdeveloped
infrastructure.
Prvanov said it was therefore necessary to enable navigation along
the Danube, as well as develop other thoroughfares.
He said that he had suggested to President Mesic that together with
Yugoslav President Vojislav Kostunica they should present a joint
memorandum before the European Union on the 10th traffic corridor
connecting the capitals of the three countries.
Asked by journalists when the presentation should be held, Prvanov
said that for the time being it was just an idea he would like to
realise.
The two presidents today also discussed "concrete forms of co-
operation", which Mesic said would be discussed at an economic
forum on Friday. Mesic noted that the Bulgarian delegation included
more than 20 businessmen.
The economic forum of Croatian and Bulgarian businessmen will be
opened tomorrow morning, with the attendance of both presidents.
As both countries are in transition, Mesic and Prvanov also spoke
about the countries' results in drawing closer to European
associations.
Prvanov (aged 44), a Socialist leader who in January started a five-
year mandate following his victory in the presidential run up
against his predecessor Petar Stoyanov, promised in his inaugural
address that he would continue efforts to make Bulgaria a full
member of the European Union and NATO.
Prvanov ended his statement to the press today with a note of
gratitude to the Croatian side for an exceptionally good
relationship towards the Bulgarian minority, both with regard to
the law on minorities and its application.
(hina) sp sb