CROATIA AND AUSTRIA ARE READY TO ADVANCE RELATIONS

ZAGREB, Nov 20 (Hina) - Croatian President Franjo Tudjman on Friday received Austria's Foreign Minister Wolfgang Schuessel, the President's office reported today. The President expressed his belief that the meeting would contribute to a better understanding and strengthening of relations between Croatian and Austria, which has always demonstrated great understanding for Croatia, the office said. Croatia has created a stable political and economic system which is a firm basis for its integration into European associations, Tudjman said. It was stressed that Croatia would consider all constructive proposals which would facilitate its integration into European institutions, as it was one of the main priorities of the Croatian policy, the statement said. As regards to bilateral relations, the two officials agreed that there were no open questions between Croatia and Austria. Tudjman stressed Croatia's readiness for more investments by Austrian companies and their participation in the Croatian economy. Present at the meeting were also the President's Chief-of-Staff Ivica Kostovic, Foreign Minister Mate Granic, foreign policy advisor Neven Madey and Croatia's Ambassador to Austria, Ivan Ilic. (hina) rml/ab