CROATIAN, POLISH PRESIDENTS HOLD TALKS

KOSTRZYN, Oct 28 (Hina) - Croatian President Stipe Mesic discussed economic and political cooperation with Polish President Alexander Kwasniewski following the opening of a plant of Croatia's food industry 'Podravka' in Poland on Saturday. In a short statement for Croatian and Polish reporters, both presidents agreed the political cooperation between the two countries was very successful and should be widened to include economy as well. The opening of the 'Podravka' plant is a proof of that, they said. Mesic said the talks tackled the improvement of economic cooperation between Croatian and Polish companies and their making effort to be granted funds by foreign banks for the purchase of new technology and the creation of jobs. Polish reporters wanted to know if Croatia was creating conditions for the arrival of foreign investors and if it was preparing for the opening of free zones. "Croatia is preparing such conditions and is intensively preparing for the arrival of foreign investors. That is why Finance Minister Mato Crkvenac attended today's talks," he said. He added that Croatia also intended to open free zones which, he said, was a good way to create new jobs. Kwasniewski said that tourism was also one of the topics discussed at today's talks. Polish citizens have always liked vacationing in Croatia and have always been welcome there. Croatia must win back those who used to spend their holidays there and attract new tourists, he added. The two presidents also discussed the situation in the region, especially in light of the recent election in Yugoslavia and their expectations regarding the upcoming December elections in Serbia. Mesic said their views regarding the situation in the region were identical. (hina) rml