CROATIAN DEPUTY FOREIGN MINISTER VISITS IRELAND

( Editorial: --> 7891 ) DUBLIN, Sept 3 (Hina) - Croatian Deputy Foreign Minister Ivo Sanader, who is on an official visit to Ireland, met the Irish Foreign Affairs Minister David Andrews in Dublin on Thursday. Sanader informed Andrews about the main strategic guidelines of the Croatian foreign policy, stressing Croatia's wish to enter European and trans-atlantic associations as soon as possible. Andrews expressed support for Croatia's efforts to become fully integrated into western associations, the European Union and World Trade Organisation. The two officials expressed the readiness of their countries to widen cooperation, especially in the area of economy. Sanader welcomed Ireland's decision to simplify its visa system for Croatian citizens adding Croatia expected to sign with Ireland an agreement on the stimulation and protection of investments as soon as possible. (hina) jn rml 031759 MET sep 98