ZAGREB, Aug 11 (Hina) - As part of his working visit to the Russian Federation, Croatian Deputy Foreign Minister Ivo Sanader on Wednesday held talks with Russian counterpart Aleksandar Avdeev.
ZAGREB, Aug 11 (Hina) - As part of his working visit to the Russian
Federation, Croatian Deputy Foreign Minister Ivo Sanader on
Wednesday held talks with Russian counterpart Aleksandar
Avdeev.#L#
According to a statement from the Croatian Foreign Ministry, the
Sanader-Avdeev continued a dialogue the two countries initiated
last year when Croatian President Franjo Tudjman visited Moscow.
The two deputy foreign ministers said all-round bilateral
relations should be further developed and promoted.
Advanced relations with Russia represent one of Croatia's foreign
policy priorities, Sanader said, alongside Croatia's firm
orientation to and stronger activities aimed at joining the
European Union and NATO.
He pointed to the important role Russia plays in European and world
affairs, including Southeast Europe, and added Croatia was paying
special attention to Russia's endeavours to consolidate internal
affairs and democratic development.
Talks also discussed the political and legal role international
organisations play in solving current crises. The two officials
pointed to the significance the recently signed Stability Pact for
Southeast Europe has in ensuring lasting stability in the region.
According to Sanader, Croatia believes the pact should enable
signatory countries to integrate with Euro-Atlantic institutions
on an individual basis. The pact must not be a framework for the
creation of new Balkan associations, he said, pointing out this
would lead to new divisions in Europe.
Sanader and Avdeev also discussed all aspects of finding a solution
to the Kosovo crisis. They agreed the Dayton peace agreements
should further be implemented, and pointed to Croatia's important
role as the generator of stability in the region. The two officials
in this respect advocated objective and non-politicised
performance of The Hague tribunal.
Sanader and Avdeev concluded the good Croatian-Russian political
relations were a favourable framework for advancing cooperation in
economy, culture, and sports. They pointed to the importance of the
second conference of an inter-government commission for economic
and scientific cooperation, expected in September.
Sanader handed Avdeev a letter from the Croatian Premier on
cooperation in power supply, and pointed to Croatia's interest in
realising concrete ventures in ship-building, construction, and
the pharmaceutical industry.
Croatia's deputy foreign minister suggested the signing of an
agreement to boost tourist cooperation, while Russia's Avdeev
agreed cultural cooperation should be promoted further.
Both officials expressed satisfaction with the level and contents
of Croatian-Russian relations, and concluded dialogue and
cooperation would be pursued.
(hina) ha