ZAGREB, Oct 24 (Hina) - There are no open issues between Croatia and Ukraine and an agreement on friendship and cooperation should significantly contribute to the development of the two countries' relations, particularly in economy,
Croatian President Stjepan Mesic and his Ukrainian counterpart Leonid Kuchma said in Zagreb on Thursday.
ZAGREB, Oct 24 (Hina) - There are no open issues between Croatia and
Ukraine and an agreement on friendship and cooperation should
significantly contribute to the development of the two countries'
relations, particularly in economy, Croatian President Stjepan
Mesic and his Ukrainian counterpart Leonid Kuchma said in Zagreb on
Thursday. #L#
Mesic told reporters after the talks that the two delegations
conducted "a comprehensive, open and friendly exchange of
opinions".
"There are no open issues in our relations, but we have agreed that
in bilateral relations, particularly in economic ties, there are
still possibilities that have not yet been explored," Mesic said.
The Croatian head of state said the two countries' business
subjects could improve their trade and also plan joint ventures on
third markets.
The two presidents also discussed global threats of terrorism, and
particularly condemned the latest operation of the Chechen
guerrillas who on Wednesday night took 700 people in a Moscow
theatre as hostage, demanding the withdrawal of Russian troops from
Chechnya in return for the release of the hostages. A considerable
number of hostages are of Ukrainian origin.
"We condemn every kind of terrorism, including this one. No matter
what terrorists speak about themselves, terrorism cannot be a
justification for any policy," Mesic said.
Ukraine's Kuchma voiced confidence that the Russian government
would do everythng possible to save the lives of the hostages,
including the Ukrainians. He added that his country supported the
Russian leadership's efforts to eradicate terrorism.
Commenting on Croatian-Ukrainian relations, President Mesic
proposed a liberalisation of the current visa regime between the
two countries, at least for business people, to facilitate economic
cooperation.
Kuchma, accompanied by his wife Lyudmila, will be received by
Croatia's Premier Ivica Racan later in the day.
The Ukrainian President arrived in Zagreb on Wednesday on a three-
day visit.
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