PRESIDENT TUDJMAN TO VISIT PORTUGAL FROM JUNE 6 - 8

( Editorial: --> 9075 ) ZAGREB/LISBON, June 5 (Hina) - Croatian President Franjo Tudjman will leave for Portugal on Saturday at the head of a high state delegation. During the visit, which will last until June 8, Tudjman will attend the celebration of the Croatian national day at the world exhibition Expo 98, which is being held in Lisbon from the end of May to the end of September. This year, Croatia attends the exhibition for the first time as an independent country, alongside other 145 states and 14 international organisations. Tudjman will also meet the Portuguese President Jorge de Sampaio. The two presidents are expected to discuss the improvement of bilateral relations, the peace process and crisis spots in South- East Europe as well as Croatia's aspirations towards joining Euro- Atlantic associations. This year's Expo, officially opened on May 21, is dedicated to seas and oceans. Croatia's pavilion at the exhibition presents the Croatian tourism, maritime affairs, ecology and life on the Mediterranean. (hina) rml 051137 MET jun 98