CROATIAN DELEGATION MEETS GERMAN FOREIGN MINISTER (PART 2)

BERLIN, Feb 16 (Hina) - Prime Minister Racan told reporters the talks discussed the position of Croatia in Europe and the world today. "We were told one more time that Croatia, which we represent, was welcome in Europe; that Europe sees a good and desired political partner, and we see the way of the realisation of our strategic national interest in that position of Croatia", said Racan. He stressed that Minister Fischer, on behalf of his country, expressed wish that Croatia contributes to the stability, peace and cooperation in the region, which was also a strategic orientation of Croatia's new Government. The Croatian Prime Minister said that cooperation between Germany and Croatia would intensify at different levels, and reminded that Fischer was scheduled to visit Zagreb on Friday to attend the inauguration of Croatia's President-Elect, Stjepan Mesic. Prime Minister Racan and the Croatian delegation will hold talks with German chancellor Gerhard Schroeder and members of the German parliament's foreign policy committee this afternoon. A meting with German businessmen and bankers is also scheduled. Prime Minister Racan and the Croatian delegation are to return to Zagreb on Wednesday evening. (hina) it