CZECH OFFICIAL BENESHOVA HOLDS TALKS WITH PICULA, RACAN, MESIC

ZAGREB, April 20 (Hina) - Croatian Foreign Minister Tonino Picula on Thursday received the President of the Czech parliament's Senate, Libusha Beneshova, the Foreign Ministry reported. Minister Picula recalled that his country and the Czech Republic had developed traditionally good ties and spoke of similar experiences of these two countries in transition. He informed the Czech delegation of priorities of Zagreb's foreign policy, and said Croatia had always been orientated towards the West, but it also always recognised its commitments to and responsibility for the neighbouring southeastern region. Picula voiced his wish that Croatia can strengthen cooperation with the Vishegrad Group member-countries. Beneshova expressed satisfaction with results of the recent elections and democratic developments in Croatia. Minister Picula and the Czech guest considered their countries' bids to come closer to the European Union. They spoke of the coming tourist season when Croatian resorts expect a great number of Czech holiday-makers. Croatian Prime Minister Ivica Racan also received the Czech delegation led by Mrs. Beneshova, the government's public relations office reported On that occasion Beneshova said her country gave full support to Croatia's bids to enter European integration structures. During her one-day visit to Zagreb, Beneshova was received by Croatian President Stjepan Mesic. (hina) ms