CROATIAN AND SOUTH AFRICAN FOREIGN MINISTERS HOLD TALKS

PRETORIA, Nov 18 (Hina) - Foreign Ministers of Croatia and the Republic of South Africa, Mate Granic and Alfred Nzo, on Monday agreed that two countries should step up political and economic cooperation. In Pretoria the two ministers signed agreements on double taxation avoidance and on cooperation in science, culture, education and sports. They described the signing as a step forward in promotion of the bilateral relations. Minister Nzo stressed that possibilities of cooperation, were great, particularly in economy. He said his country that is chairing the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in next three years, would enable Croatia to have better access to southern Africa. Minister Granic described Monday's meeting as important for furthering political and economic cooperation of Croatia with the most influential state in the south of Africa. The Croatian Minister said the South African Republic was interested in cooperation with Croatia and the cooperation with central Europe with assistance of Croatia. The signed agreement on double taxation avoidance could significantly spur investment into Croatia, and the agreement on cultural cooperation could contribute to the better position of the Croatian community in the South African Republic. South African Foreign Minister accepted Minister Granic's invitation to visit the Croatian capital. (hina) jn mš 181324 MET nov 96