After the talks, held behind closed doors, the two ministers told reporters they were satisfied with their first meeting that resulted in very concrete steps that would promote cooperation between Croatian and Indian scientists.
The two ministers underlined the setting up of a joint fund for the development of science and technology projects to which each country would donate 500,000 euros. The first report on the project would be submitted to a joint body in three months.
Minister Primorac said the talks with his Indian counterpart were good also for cooperation in drawing up projects by which Croatian scientist would apply for funds of the European Union's Seventh Framework Programme (FP7), expressing satisfaction also with an achieved agreement on the participation of India's scientists in the evaluation of science projects in Croatia.
Minister Sibal said Croatia had a more comprehensive research base considering the country's size which, according to him, is a great advantage. He, however, stressed Croatia needed a science market and an access to it.
Sibal said this was most definitely an important step in Croatia's drawing closer to the European Union, adding however that the 21st century would marked by be in the Asian continent. He also invited Primorac to visit India in January or February next year.
India's delegation, led by Minister Sibal, also held talks with Croatian Deputy prime Minister Jadranka Kosor who expressed satisfaction with the two countries relations. She, however, underlined the need for expanding cooperation in the economy, science and technology.