CROATIA AND EGYPT WANT TO IMPROVE ECONOMIC RELATIONS

CAIRO, July 5 (Hina) - Croatia and Egypt will continue developing good political relations and stimulating their economic cooperation, which is insufficiently developed, the Croatian and Egyptian foreign ministers stated in Cairo on Monday. Croatia's Foreign Minister Mate Granic, who arrived in Egypt for a two-day official visit on Sunday, today held talks with his Egyptian counterpart Amr Moussa. The two ministers said they had a fruitful discussion on the Kosovo crisis, the situation in the Balkans and the Near East, as well as on bilateral relations. "Egypt is a very important country for Croatia, both in terms of politics and economy", said Granic. According to Moussa, trade between Egypt and Croatia in the 60's amounted to about US$100 million, which was much more than the current value of trade, which was below US$40 million. The Egyptian official said he expected Granic's visit to help boost the economic cooperation between the two countries. Granic said the two countries would try to improve their economic relations. He expressed hope that a visit of 14 Croatian businessmen to Egypt, which is taking place parallel to his, would contribute to that aim. Following the talks, Granic ad Moussa signed an agreement on cooperation in culture and science, a protocol on cooperation between the countries' foreign ministries, and an agreement on cancelling visa requirements for diplomats. It is expected that Granic will be received by Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak on Tuesday. (hina) jn rml