CRO PRIME MINISTER AND HIS HUNGARIAN COUNTERPART BEGIN MEETING

ZAGREB, Jan 29 (Hina) - Croatian Prime Minister Zlatko Matesa and his Hungarian counterpart Viktor Orban began official talks in Zagreb on Friday morning. Hungarian Prime Minister, heading a high-ranking government delegation, arrived in Zagreb on Thursday evening. The Matesa-Orban talks will revolve around the promotion of the Croatian-Hungarian relations, the conclusion of an agreement on free trade, the exchange of experiences from the Euro-Atlantic associations, further advancement of the minorities' position in line with European standards, the investment stimulation and the balancing of the commodity exchange. The Hungarian delegation also consists of Finance Minister Zsigmond Jarai, and the State-Secretary in the Economy Ministry, Gabor Gulacsi, who are to lead separate talks with Croatian Finance Minister, Borislav Skegro, and representatives of the Croatian Economy Ministry. Croatian Privatisation Minister Milan Kovac will hold talks with the director of the Hungarian state-run society for the privatisation and management of property, Gyula Gansperger. After the first round of talks, the two delegation in the full composition will meet, and later on the two Prime Ministers will hold a news conference. Croatian President Franjo Tudjman will receive the Hungarian Prime Minister on Friday as well. Orban is also expected to meet representatives of the Croatian parliamentary opposition and representatives of the Hungarian minority on Friday afternoon. (hina) jn ms