CROATIAN, TURKISH GOVT OFFICIALS START TALKS

ANKARA, Nov 6 (Hina) - A Croatian government delegation, headed by Prime Minister Ivica Racan, on Monday started the official programme of their visit to Turkey by meeting a Turkish government delegation, led by Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit. Before the start of the meeting, which is held at the Turkish premier's palace in Ankara, Racan laid a wreath at the grave of Kemal Ataturk (1881-1938), the founder of the modern Turkish state and its first president, whose mausoleum overlooks the Turkish capital. The Croatian delegation was received with full honours, national anthems and the lining up of the Turkish army guard of honour. Although the development of Croatian-Turkish relations in the past decade was marked by a series of visits on the highest level, Racan is the first Croatian premier to pay an official visit to Ankara. The two sides will discuss the development of bilateral relations, cooperation in strengthening peace and stability in the region within the Stability Pact and the expansion of economic cooperation through talks on free trade and the widening of the market. After the talks, the two premiers will give statements for the press. The Croatian delegation also includes representatives from three Croatian companies, who will hold talks with Turkish state officials and business people. Prime Minister Racan, who is accompanied by his wife Dijana Plestina, will meet Turkish President Ahmed Sezer this afternoon. (hina) rml