ZAGREB, Jan 31 (Hina) - Croatian Premier Ivica Racan and the state-secretary at the German Foreign Ministry, Christoph Zoepl, on Monday held talks on political and economic cooperation, Croatia's speedier and more active joining in
Euro-Atlantic associations, and regional cooperation, the Government's Media and Public relations Office said in a statement. Offering congratulations on the electoral victory and his appointment as Premier, Zoepl conveyed to Racan an invitation of Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder to visit Germany. Schroeder and Racan are expected to have an official meeting on February 16, after the Croatian premier pays visits to Lisbon and Brussels. Racan said the Government was facing serious economic and political challenges but was nonetheless willing to get to grips with accumulated economic problems and new development projects as well as to stimulate domestic and foreign investments and cut sta
ZAGREB, Jan 31 (Hina) - Croatian Premier Ivica Racan and the state-
secretary at the German Foreign Ministry, Christoph Zoepl, on
Monday held talks on political and economic cooperation, Croatia's
speedier and more active joining in Euro-Atlantic associations,
and regional cooperation, the Government's Media and Public
relations Office said in a statement.
Offering congratulations on the electoral victory and his
appointment as Premier, Zoepl conveyed to Racan an invitation of
Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder to visit Germany. Schroeder and Racan
are expected to have an official meeting on February 16, after the
Croatian premier pays visits to Lisbon and Brussels.
Racan said the Government was facing serious economic and political
challenges but was nonetheless willing to get to grips with
accumulated economic problems and new development projects as well
as to stimulate domestic and foreign investments and cut state
expenditure.
As a Mediterranean and Central European country of extremely
important geo-strategic position, Croatia is interested in a close
and fruitful cooperation with its neighbours, as well as in its
active participation in the Stability Pact and accelerated
admission to the European Union, Partnership for Peace programme
and NATO, Racan said.
The Government is ready to harmonise the state infrastructure with
European standards and implement plans on economic and political
changes, including economic stability, media freedom, refugee
return and active participation in the political stabilisation and
democratisation of the region, he added.
Germany's Zoepl said the Croatian Government had left an excellent
impression with the speed and determination it demonstrated in the
first days of its mandate. Zoepl added the Croatian Government
would enjoy Germany's support in its drawing closer to European
associations, the statement read.
(hina) rml