TALKS BETWEEN TURKISH, CROATIAN PRESIDENT COMMENCE

ANKARA, Feb 10 (Hina) - The Croatian and Turkish Presidents Franjo Tudjman and Suleyman Demirel on Wednesday commenced their fifth bilateral meeting at the Cankaya presidential palace in Ankara. Following the review of a Turkish guards honorary unit and a welcome ceremony, the two heads of state said their talks would contribute to further improving the friendly relations between the two countries. "Our relations are at a very high level. This meeting will give us the opportunity to further develop our very good relations in the areas of trade and economy", Demirel said. Turkey will continue to support Croatia in international relations, he added. "I am sure that the visit will serve to deepen the friendly relations in all areas, especially in economy and culture, to the benefit of not only bilateral relations but the international cooperation as well", President Tudjman said. The two presidents said they would also discuss the Kosovo crisis and the situation in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Turkey has given its contribution to the establishment of Bosnia- Herzegovina as an independent country, Demirel said adding he did not doubt that Croatia too would do its best to help establish peace and stability in the area. After the Tudjman-Demirel meeting, which is being held behind closed doors, the Turkish and Croatian delegations will start talks. The delegations are to sign a number of agreements, mostly on economy. President Tudjman will then meet the Turkish Parliament President Hikmet Cetin. (hina) mm rml