CROATIAN FOREIGN MINISTER HOLDS TALKS WITH NORWEGIAN OFFICIALS

ZAGREB, May 3 (Hina) - Croatian Foreign Minister Tonino Picula on Wednesday visited his Norwegian counterpart in Oslo, Jens Stoltenberg, Foreign Minister Thorbjorn Jagland, Parliament speaker Kirsti Kolle Gorutahl and representatives of the Norwegian parliament's foreign affairs committee. Picula described his visit to Norway as the beginning of a consolidated cooperation, the Croatian Foreign Ministry said in a statement Wednesday. Representatives of both countries stressed their exceptional openness for political and economic cooperation. Picula thanked the Norwegian side for support provided to Croatia regarding its accession into the Partnership for Peace programme, and Croatia's efforts to sign a cooperation agreement with the EFTA. Norway warmly greeted Croatia's endeavours regarding the return of refugees, including those accommodated in Norway. Norway is interested in mine-clearing projects in Croatia, cooperation in the area of energy supply and agriculture, and shipbuilding. Mentioned was also the possibility of the delivery of Norwegian equipment for ships which would be constructed in Croatia, and the opening of accompanying credit lines connected with the business. Norway announced the opening of its trade council in Zagreb this autumn. (hina) lml mm