CRO AND SLOVAKIA TO SET UP COMMISSION FOR ECONOMIC COOPERATION

ZAGREB, Feb 12 (Hina) - Croatia and Slovakia have agreed to appoint a joint commission to explore the possibilities of mutual cooperation and placement of goods from both countries on third world markets. This is the result of today's meeting between the Croatian Reconstruction Minister Jure Radic and the Slovakian Construction Minister, Jan Mraz. #L# "Croatia is becoming one of the biggest construction sites in the world," Radic said, adding that Croatia would primarily employ a Croatian work force in the reconstruction works, but a certain number of skilled workmen would still be needed in reconstruction and tourism. The steel and building materials industries also offered possibilities for cooperation between the two countries. The Croatian and Slovakian Transport and Communications Ministers, Zeljko Luzavec and Aleksandar Rezes, also held talks today during which they agreed on a more liberal regime of road transport and on transit benefits. They also agreed on mutual support to the construction of the Zagreb-Budapest and the Zagreb- Macelj-Vienna-Bratislava highways which were to be completed by 1999. The Ministers agreed to establish a free trade zone in the Rijeka port, which would thus become the home port of the Slovakian fleet. Slovakia will also consider ordering some ships for its merchant marine from Croatia, which will be discussed during future talks. It was also agreed that the two countries would sign an agreement on river sailing, especially on the Danube river. The Croatian Interior Minister Ivan Jarnjak and his Slovak counterpart, Ludovit Hudek today held talks on cooperation between Croatia and Slovakia in the struggle against organized crime and drug trafficking as well as in clearing areas in Croatia of mines. Croatian and Slovakian Culture Ministers as well as Central Bank Governors from both countries also held talks today. (hina) lm mm 121846 MET feb 96