CROATIAN PRESIDENT ARRIVES IN AUSTRIA

VIENNA, Feb 20 (Hina) - Croatian President Stipe Mesic on Tuesday arrived in a three-day official working visit to Austria, where he is to discuss friendly political relations between Croatia and Austria and encourage the two countries' economic relations, particularly Austria's investments in Croatia. The Croatian President was welcomed by Austrian President Thomas Klestil. Later today, Mesic is scheduled to hold talks with president of the Austrian parliament's national council Heinz Fisher and Chancellor Wolfgang Schuessel. The two parties are expected to confirm good political relations and discuss the situation in the region. The talks will focus on the strengthening of economic relations between Croatia and Austria. President Mesic will give a dinner reception in the Croatian Embassy in Vienna on Tuesday evening for Austria's well-respected businessmen to discuss possibilities for the expansion of economic cooperation between the two countries. Apart from President Mesic, the Croatian delegation also includes European Integration Minister Ivan Jakovcic and deputy Foreign Minister Vesna Cvjetkovic-Kurelec. (hina) it..