ZAGREB, May 24 (Hina) - Greek President Konstantinos Stefanopulos and senior Croatian officials said in Zagreb on Thursday Croatian-Greek relations were constantly ascending. Stefanopulos supported Croatia's integration into
Euro-Atlantic structures. Parliamentary speaker Zlatko Tomcic told reporters the talks tackled bilateral relations and the situation in the region. The two sides voiced "almost identical views." The talks also addressed the Adriatic-Ionian Highway. Tomcic said he expected Greece to support the project as part of international initiatives and the Stability Pact for Southeast Europe. Earlier today the Greek head of state held talks with representatives of Croatia's parliamentary parties, visited the University of Zagreb vice-chancellor's office, opened a Croatian-Greek economy forum, and met with Prime Minister Ivica Racan and Zagreb mayor Milan Bandic. Opening the economy forum at th
ZAGREB, May 24 (Hina) - Greek President Konstantinos Stefanopulos
and senior Croatian officials said in Zagreb on Thursday Croatian-
Greek relations were constantly ascending. Stefanopulos supported
Croatia's integration into Euro-Atlantic structures.
Parliamentary speaker Zlatko Tomcic told reporters the talks
tackled bilateral relations and the situation in the region. The
two sides voiced "almost identical views."
The talks also addressed the Adriatic-Ionian Highway. Tomcic said
he expected Greece to support the project as part of international
initiatives and the Stability Pact for Southeast Europe.
Earlier today the Greek head of state held talks with
representatives of Croatia's parliamentary parties, visited the
University of Zagreb vice-chancellor's office, opened a Croatian-
Greek economy forum, and met with Prime Minister Ivica Racan and
Zagreb mayor Milan Bandic.
Opening the economy forum at the Croatian Chamber of Commerce,
Stefanopulos said there were no obstacles to Croatian-Greek
cooperation but major reasons to nurture it.
"The positive factors for this cooperation are the political
stability ruling both countries and the geographical vicinity...
ultimately, there is the skill of the Greeks and the Croats to
develop this cooperation," he added.
Greek and Croatian businessmen today discussed advancing
cooperation in the power industry, shipbuilding, agriculture,
telecommunications, transport, and tourism. The Greeks expressed
interest in participating in privatisation in Croatia.
Greece has okayed a $10 million loan to the Croatian government with
automatic renewal.
Croatia's export to Greece in 2000 totalled $89 million as against
$19 million made in import.
Greece is one of the few countries with which Croatia has realised a
positive trade balance. This is primarily due to the export of
ships, which accounts for 60 percent of Croatia's overall export.
Stefanopulos' three-day visit to Croatia is the first to be made by
a Greek President after Croatia gained independence a decade ago,
and the first by the head of state of a European Union member since
Croatia initialled a Stabilisation and Association Agreement
earlier this month.
Croatia and Greece signed a maritime transport agreement on
Wednesday.
(hina) ha sb