CRO TRANSPORT MINISTER MEETS ALBANIAN PUBLIC WORKS MINISTER

ZAGREB, Nov 23 (Hina) - The Croatian minister of maritime affairs, transport and communications, Ivan Pavlovic and Albania's minister of public works, Arben Demeti, on Tuesday discussed cooperation in the field of transport, in line with a protocol signed after the first session of a mixed government commission, which ended in Zagreb today. Given the similarities in the geostrategic position of Croatia and Albania, Pavlovic suggested the widening of the container service of 'Losinjska plovidba' shipping company to the port of Durres. This would enable Albanian goods to reach other overseas countries via Malta sooner. The two countries also plan to intensify their cooperation as regards international permits and licences as well as the collection of road tolls in Croatia. Croatia and Albania signed a road traffic agreement in 1994. The two ministers agreed that the construction of the Adriatic- Ionian road was in the interest of both countries. After the renewal of the Croatia Airlines fleet and the normalisation of air traffic above the Adriatic Sea, the Croatian national air carrier plans to re-establish the Zagreb-Tirana line next year. Demeti and Pavlovic agreed that telecommunications between the two countries are satisfactory thanks to the successful installation of the submarine optic cable Adria 1. The two countries are also expected to establish GSM service. The two ministers also discussed foreign investments into the construction of road infrastructure. Albania's Demeti said he would like the staff from his ministry to attend courses at Croatian universities. (hina) rml