THAI, MEXICAN AMBASSADORS HAND CREDENTIALS TO PRESIDENT MESIC

ZAGREB, Aug 29 (Hina) - Croatian President Stipe Mesic was on Tuesday handed credentials by Thailand's Ambassador Chalermpon Ake-Uru and Mexican Ambassador Jorge Chen Charpentier. Handing his credentials to Mesic, Ake-Uru said the friendly ties and cooperation between Croatia and Thailand in all fields were improving steadily. This fact was confirmed by a visit of the Thai Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn in April this year and a visit by Deputy Prime Minister Supachai Panitchpakdi in June. Mesic said the cooperation between the two countries should be improved in the fields of art, sports and tourism. Mexican Ambassador Charpentier said the ties between the two countries dated back long before the establishment of their diplomatic relations in 1993. Mexico and Croatia have good foundations for the improvement of bilateral relations, especially as regards oil industry and metallurgy, Charpentier said, expressing hope a meeting on the highest level would take place soon. Mesic agreed there was a great potential for improving bilateral relations and that, regardless of the great geographical distance, Croatia could be Mexico's entrance to the European market. (hina) rml