ZAGREB, June 30 (Hina) - Croatian Prime Minister Ivica Racan is to make a two-day official trip to Denmark starting Tuesday. He and his hosts are expected to address Croatian-Danish economic and political relations, visas for Croatian
citizens, and sign an agreement on the stimulation and protection of investments. Over the past decade, the political relations between the two countries were marked by isolation and Denmark's strong criticism of Croatia's authorities in connection with the war with Muslims in Bosnia-Herzegovina, problems in refugee returns, and the state of human rights and media freedoms. Before this year's change in Croatia's leadership, Croatian-Danish meetings were held only at the level of assistant ministers. Denmark still has no embassy in Croatia. During next week's visit, the Croatian delegation will hold talks on the visa regime for Croatian citizens, which was introduced in 1998 a
ZAGREB, June 30 (Hina) - Croatian Prime Minister Ivica Racan is to
make a two-day official trip to Denmark starting Tuesday. He and his
hosts are expected to address Croatian-Danish economic and
political relations, visas for Croatian citizens, and sign an
agreement on the stimulation and protection of investments.
Over the past decade, the political relations between the two
countries were marked by isolation and Denmark's strong criticism
of Croatia's authorities in connection with the war with Muslims in
Bosnia-Herzegovina, problems in refugee returns, and the state of
human rights and media freedoms.
Before this year's change in Croatia's leadership, Croatian-Danish
meetings were held only at the level of assistant ministers.
Denmark still has no embassy in Croatia.
During next week's visit, the Croatian delegation will hold talks
on the visa regime for Croatian citizens, which was introduced in
1998 and should be cancelled by 2001, when Denmark will have to
adjust its regulations to the Schengen White List of countries,
Croatia included, whose citizens do not require visas to enter the
European Union.
Croatian and Danish representatives will also discuss economic,
trade, tourist, and military cooperation, the ecology, and
alternative source of energy.
Croatia's Racan and Danish Prime Minister Poul Nyrup Rasmussenn
will sign a joint declaration in which Denmark extends its support
to Croatia in its approaching EU and NATO.
Racan will invite his Danish colleague to visit Croatia in the
autumn, and convey the same invitation to Queen of Denmark Margaret
on behalf of Croatian President Stipe Mesic.
The Croatian delegation will comprise Foreign Minister Tonino
Picula and his assistant Josko Paro, Economy Minister Goranko
Fizulic, and the prime minister's wife, Diana Plestina.
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