PREMIER HOLDS TALKS WITH NORTH RHINE-WESTPHALIA ECONOMY MINISTER

ZAGREB, May 11 (Hina) - Croatian Premier Zlatko Matesa on Tuesday discussed economic cooperation with the Minister of Economy, Technology and Transport of German province North Rhine- Westphalia, Peer Steinbrueck, who is heading a businessmen delegation visiting Croatia. According to a statement from the government's Media and Public Relations Office, the Premier said he was satisfied with the coming into effect of an agreement on economic cooperation Croatia and the German province signed last July. The consequences of the Serbian aggression on Croatia earlier this decade have been great for Croatian economy, Premier Matesa said, pointing out it is easier to overcome them by cooperating on the basis of common interests. Matesa reminded Germany was Croatia's biggest economic partner. Today's talks also tackled the importance of reconstruction, the development of the transport infrastructure, and the stimulation and development of tourism. North Rhine-Westphalia's economic partners are interested in realising joint economic projects and cooperation in professional education. It was agreed direct meetings between German and Croatian businessmen are the best way of becoming familiar with Croatia's economic situation and advancing cooperation. (hina) ha