PRESIDENT TUDJMAN LEAVES FOR PORTUGAL

( Editorial: --> 9346 ) ZAGREB, June 6 (Hina) - Croatian President Franjo Tudjman left for a two-day visit to Portugal on Saturday. Tudjman is to meet high Portuguese officials, including President Jorge de Sampaio, and attend the celebration of the Croatian national day at the world exhibition Expo 98, which is being held in Lisbon from May to the end of September. This year, Expo celebrates the 100th anniversary and it is dedicated to seas and oceans. Croatia participates in the event for the first time as an independent state. Expo 98 is an exceptional opportunity for Croatia to present its long maritime tradition, tourism potential, economy and cultural identity. President Tudjman is accompanied by Culture Minister Bozo Biskupic, Tourism Minister Sergej Morsan, Economy Minister Nenad Porges, presidential foreign policy adviser Neven Madey and head of the presidential cabinet, Gordan Radin. President Tudjman and his associates were seen off at Zagreb airport by Parliament Speaker Vlatko Pavletic, Premier Zlatko Matesa, Presidential Chief Of Staff Hrvoje Sarinic, Interior Minister Ivan Penic, Deputy Defence Minister, Lt. Gen. Kresimir Cosic, Croatian Armed Forces Chief Of Staff, Lt. Gen. Pavao Miljavac and other officials. (hina) rml 061159 MET jun 98