"We are extremely satisfied with the high level of relations and cooperation between Croatia and the Russian Federation and with our cooperation as part of international institutions and initiatives," Grabar Kitarovic told reporters after two-hour talks with Lavrov.
Bilateral relations are developing very well and we want to accomplish even better results, Lavrov said, stressing that the two countries were also closely cooperating within the Council of Europe, the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the United Nations.
Both countries want to advance economic cooperation, improve the structure of trade exchange and create better conditions for mutual investments. The two countries' trade last year amounted to 1.8 billion US dollars.
"We hope to increase the trade, notably Croatia's share in the exchange," Grabar Kitarovic said.
According to her, Croatia was particularly interested in cooperation in the energy sector and in attracting Russian investments in Croatia's tourism and the infrastructure.
There are possibilities with prospects in the energy sector and tourism and Russian companies are interested in that, Lavrov said.
Russia expressed interest in investing in Croatia, including in privatisation projects.
The two officials also talked about the agreement on the clearing debt signed in July, under which Russia will return the debt to Croatia by delivering high technology merchandise. The agreement is expected to be implemented in the coming days, diplomatic sources told Hina.
Lavrov and Grabar Kitarovic also agreed a fast realisation of an agreement on the opening of a Russian cultural centre in Zagreb.
The Croatian minister said this visit was yet another proof of the strengthening of the two countries' friendship and cooperation.