DEPUTY FOREIGN MINISTER MEETS FINLAND'S STATE SECRETARY

( Editorial: --> 1510 ) ZAGREB, May 4 (Hina) - Croatian Deputy Foreign Minister Ivo Sanader held talks with the Finnish State Secretary Jukka Valtasaari in Helsinki on Monday, the Croatian Foreign Ministry said in a statement. The talks focused on bilateral cooperation and Croatia's integration into Euro-Atlantic associations. Croatia is interested in starting talks on the signing of inter- state agreements facilitating the development of economic cooperation between the two states, particularly an agreement on trade and economic cooperation, stimulation and protection of investments and air traffic, Sanader said. The two officials agreed that there were no open political questions between the two countries and expressed interest in increasing trade. Sanader invited Valtasaari to visit Croatia, which the Finnish official accepted. Also discussed were European political and security issues, as well as Croatia's efforts to join the European Union. Sanader recalled measures the Croatian Government had taken to normalise the situation in the country and wider region and to meet requirements necessary for institutionalising its relations with the EU. Sanader asked for Finland's support in Croatia's gaining a positive and constructive approach on the part of the EU. Valtasaari expressed understanding for the problems Croatia was facing and called on it to continue and intensify its cooperation with the international community in solving key problems. This afternoon Sanader opened the Croatian embassy in Helsinki in the presence of diplomats, Finnish government representatives, business people, media and other public figures. (hina) rm /mb 042116 MET may 98