CRO CULTURE MINISTER DEPARTS FOR OFFICIAL VISIT TO CHINA

( Editorial: --> 4105 ) ZAGREB, Feb 23 (Hina) - Croatian Culture Minister Bozo Biskupic Monday departed for an official visit to China where with his Chinese counterpart Liu Zhongde he will sign a three-year programme on cooperation in culture and education between the two countries. This is the continuation of cooperation with China in culture, education and science for the 1998-2000 period, Biskupic told reporters at the Zagreb airport before departure. The three-year programme will according to the culture minister focus on music, painting and science. New projects will include the presentation of the One Thousand Years of Croatian Sculpture exhibition to the Chinese public, Biskupic said. Chinese Ambassador to Croatia Guobang said the signing of the programme will contribute to the expansion of culture cooperation between "our friendly countries". He hoped Biskupic's visit would be "fruitful and successful." (hina) ha 232109 MET feb 98