SANADER RECEIVES ASSISTANT U.S. COMMERCE SECRETARY

ZAGREB, May 20 (Hina) - Head of the Croatian President's Office, Ivo Sanader, on Monday received a delegation of the U.S. Commerce Department led by secretary assistant Raymond Vicary, a statement from the president's office said. #L# Sanader expressed satisfaction with the fact that the relations between Croatia and the U.S., established with the Washington and Dayton peace agreements, would be continued, adding that Croatia was determined to fully implement the agreements, with U.S. support. Mutual satisfaction was expressed with the fact that peace in the region enabled the strengthening of economic relations between the U.S. and Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina. It was particularly important that the mission started by former, tragically deceased, U.S. Commerce Secretary Ron Brown be continued, since it was supported by both Croatian and U.S. Presidents, Franjo Tudjman and Bill Clinton respectively. The necessity to increase trade exchange and U.S. investments in the economy of Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina, especially in tourism and the building of roads, was also pointed out. It was agreed that direct contacts should be continued until U.S. Commerce Secretary Mickey Kantor's forthcoming arrival in Croatia, when bilateral agreements on economic cooperation and investments should be completed. Also present at the talks was Croatian Ambassador to Washington, Miomir Zuzul, the statement concluded. (hina) ha 201903 MET may 96