CROATIAN PREMIER RECEIVES CHILEAN FOREIGN MINISTER

ZAGREB, March 24 (Hina) - Croatia and Chile were linked by excellent political relations, and there were all prerequisites for furthering economic cooperation between the two countries, Croatian Premier Zlatko Matesa and Chilean Foreign Minister Jose Miguel Insulza said during their talks in Zagreb on Monday. "We have agreed on further steps (concerning economic ties)," Premier Matesa said adding that Chilean businessmen could use Croatia as a kind of connection for entering markets in central and eastern Europe. Croatia advocated that "Croatian economic subjects may come in Chile and examine all opportunities the Chilean economy, which is among most propulsive South American economies, is offering," the Croatian premier stressed and recalled that Chile had become capital exporter thanks to very successful economic reforms. "We can learn much from each other to the mutual benefit," he said. Chilean Foreign Minister Insulza expressed satisfaction with talks on overall economic relations that "have progressed well", and added that he had talked with Croatian Premier about investment as well as about cooperation in industry, finance and banking. He voiced hope that in the following months exchange of businessmen would be intensified so that it could facilitate conclusions of business contracts between the two countries. Minister Insulza called Premier Matesa to visit Chile. After the meeting with Matesa, the Chilean minister held talks with Croatian Parliament's Vice President Zarko Domljan and parliamentary foreign affairs committee members. (hina) jn mš 241400 MET mar 97