CROATIAN FOREIGN MINISTER HOLDS TALKS WITH LITHUANIAN COLLEAGUE

( Editorial: --> 8121 ) ZAGREB, Oct 13 (Hina) - Croatia and Lithuania are friendly countries in whose relations there are no open issues, and their foreign policy goals are the same, Croatian Foreign Minister Mate Granic and his Lithuanian counterpart, Algirdas Saudargas, told a news conference after talks in Zagreb on Tuesday. Granic told reporters the talks focusing on bilateral relations mostly accentuated the strengthening of cooperation in economy and science, which should be more intensive. "Preparations for the signing of an agreement between the Republic of Lithuania and the Republic of Croatia on the avoidance of double taxation and cultural and economic cooperation are under way," Granic said. Saudargas confirmed both countries wished to join European integration processes, NATO and the World Trade Organisation as soon as possible. He expressed conviction that his visit to Croatia would be the initiator and contribution to further cooperation of the two countries. (hina) lml jn 131932 MET oct 98