MUNICH MUNICH, Jan 16 (Hina) - Croatian Foreign Minister Mate Granic on Saturday evening opened "Croatian Days in Bavaria", an annual economic-cultural manifestation taking place in Munich. A Bavarian-Croatian ball was staged for the
occasion. In attendance were Bavarian cultural, economic, and political dignitaries, and Croats living in the southern German state. Welcoming those present, Minister Granic pointed to the exceptional relations between Croatia and Bavaria. As a free and democratic country, Granic said Croatia wanted to belong formally as well to the European family of countries. He believed Germany would, as the European Union's presiding country, assist Croatia in its integration with western European institutions. The Croatian Foreign Minister also believed 1999 would be the year witnessing a further strengthening of Croatian-German relations, especially Croatia's relations with Bavaria. U
MUNICH, Jan 16 (Hina) - Croatian Foreign Minister Mate Granic on
Saturday evening opened "Croatian Days in Bavaria", an annual
economic-cultural manifestation taking place in Munich.
A Bavarian-Croatian ball was staged for the occasion. In attendance
were Bavarian cultural, economic, and political dignitaries, and
Croats living in the southern German state.
Welcoming those present, Minister Granic pointed to the
exceptional relations between Croatia and Bavaria.
As a free and democratic country, Granic said Croatia wanted to
belong formally as well to the European family of countries.
He believed Germany would, as the European Union's presiding
country, assist Croatia in its integration with western European
institutions.
The Croatian Foreign Minister also believed 1999 would be the year
witnessing a further strengthening of Croatian-German relations,
especially Croatia's relations with Bavaria.
Upon arriving in Munich on Friday, Granic held talks with Bavarian
Premier Edmund Stoiber. Both parties confirmed the stability of
mutual relations.
Stoiber said Croatia was an outstandingly important partner to
Bavaria. He added Bavaria would continue to invest in Croatia.
Granic and Stoiber discussed several projects, including Bavarian
investments into roadbuilding in Croatia, the building of a bridge
connecting the Danube and Sava rivers, and the possibility of
opening a BMW plant in Croatia.
"Croatian Days in Bavaria" is this year being held for the seventh
consecutive time. Initially envisioned as a week-long presentation
of Croatia to Bavaria, this year's programme will extend throughout
the year.
The most important event to take place is a tourist fair scheduled
in Munich in February. Croatia will be a partner-country and will
have ample possibilities to promote its own tourism.
Following in March will be a fair presenting Croatian small and
medium-sized entrepreneurs.
In September, Bavarian bankers and businessmen are expected to
visit Croatia.
A series of cultural manifestations will be held throughout the
year.
(hina) ha