CRO FIRST DEPUTY PREMIER RECEIVES NATO COMMANDER FOR EUROPE

ZAGREB, Aug 30 (Hina) - Croatian First Deputy Prime Minister Goran Granic on Wednesday received the chief commander of NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), General Joseph Ralstone, who is on a working visit to the Croatian Defence Ministry. General Ralstone is the first NATO commander to visit Croatia after its joining the Partnership for Peace programme. The Croatian Government Media and Public Relations Office said in a statement that Granic and general Ralstone discussed cooperation between Croatia and NATO, the situation in Southeast Europe, reforms of armed forces and cooperation with NATO units in the region. Both parties expressed satisfaction about intensified relations between the Croatian Government and Government's institutions and NATO as well as cooperation which is on the rise. Pointing to Croatia's significant role in this part of Europe, General Ralstone thanked the Croatian Government on everything it did to contribute to the stability in the region, particularly on efforts invested in the improvement of the situation in Bosnia- Herzegovina. The Croatian First Deputy Prime Minister stressed it was extremely important for Croatia to have a stabile and safe surrounding and that the policy of the Croatian Government aimed at exercising good relations with other countries in the region. (hina) it