SANADER & DANISH OFFICIALS DISCUSS BILATERAL RELATIONS

( Editorial: --> 1782 ) ZAGREB/COPENHAGEN, May 5 (Hina) - The Croatian Deputy Foreign Minister, Ivo Sanader, and the Permanent Secretary of the Danish Foreign Ministry, Friis Arne Petersen, held talks on bilateral relations in Copenhagen on Tuesday. They agreed that relations should be expanded, especially in the area of economic cooperation. Sanader and Petersen expressed satisfaction with the development of Croat-Danish relations so far as well as with the agreement on succession to 12 bilateral contracts which are about to come into force, the Croatian Foreign Ministry said in a statement. Special attention was given to Croatia nearing European associations. Petersen expressed Denmark's support for further development of relations between Croatia and the European Union through fulfilment of set obligations, among which the return of displaced and refugees takes a special place. Sanader recalled the steps which Croatia has taken so far, stressing its contribution to normalising the situation and achieving long-term stability in the region. Sanader invited Petersen to officially visit Croatia, which he accepted. Sanader also had talks with the head of the foreign trade secretariat of the Danish Foreign Ministry, Ulrik Helveg-Larsen. The two officials said that Danish entrepreneurs have a great interest in investing in Croatia, especially in infrastructure. They agreed that the existing volume of trade between the two countries was not sufficient and that there existed significant possibilities for its increase. Sanader met with the deputy political director for European integration, Theis Truelsen. (hina) mrb/rm 052114 MET may 98