HAZU SYMPOSIUM ON CONNECTING CENTRAL EUROPE WITH MEDITERRANEAN

ZAGREB, Dec 8 (Hina) - A two-day symposium entitled "Connecting Central European Countries with the Adriatic (Mediterranean)", commenced on Tuesday under the organisation of the Croatian Academy of Arts and Sciences (HAZU). Representatives of academies from Bosnia-Herzegovina (BH), Hungary, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia are taking part in the symposium. In his opening speech, HAZU's President Ivo Padovan recalled the outstanding co-operation of the HAZU with academies of Central Europe since its establishment in 1866. Padovan stressed the importance of intensifying co-operation of the current scientific and computerised world in economy, transport, tourism and environmental protection. He also made special notice of the drawing up of a corridor project which will be of importance not only for Croatia but the whole region. House of Representatives' president Katica Ivanisevic greeted the symposium participants on behalf of the Croatian National Sabor (Parliament). Deputy Foreign Minister Ivo Sanader stressed the importance of intensifying co-operation among countries from the Baltic to the Adriatic sea. He added that the symposium proves Croatia's determination to actively take part in the creation of a new international order in this part of Europe. The two day symposium will focus on history in Central Europe, economic and tourist connections, transport corridors through BH, and the Adriatic sea as the door to Central Europe. Poland will be the host country of the next symposium. (hina) jn ab/lml