COOPERATION BETWEEN CROATIA, NATO RAISED TO NEW LEVEL

ZAGREB, March 14 (Hina) - A group of NATO experts, led by deputy director for defence planning and operations George Katsirdakis, held a working meeting with a Croatian Defence Ministry delegation in Zagreb on Tuesday, raising the cooperation between Croatia and NATO to a new level. The purpose of the visit of the eight-member NATO delegation is for NATO officials to become acquainted with the situation and reorganisation plans in the ministries of defence, interior affairs, and European integration, the Defence Ministry said in a statement. The NATO experts are also to present details regarding the organisation and operation of NATO and the Partnership for Peace programme. They will also present additional activities in the Partnership for Peace which would be offered to Croatia. Officials from the ministries of defence, interior affairs, and European integration will inform their guests about the structure and operation of their respective ministries, as well as about Croatia's activities aimed at its integration into Euro-Atlantic security associations. The NATO delegation should end its visit to Croatia by meeting NATO Secretary-General George Robertson, who is expected to arrive in Zagreb on Thursday. The NATO and Croatian Army delegations should inform Robertson, as well as Foreign Minister Tonino Picula and Deputy Defence Minister Zlatko Gareljic of the results of their meeting, the Ministry said. (hina) mm rml