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| Sunday, 6 July 2003 |
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Pledge to strengthen Croatia-Lanka ties Foreign Minister Tyronne Fernando made an official visit to Croatia recently on an invitation of his Croatian counterpart. During his visit, the Minister met Croatian President Stjepan Mesic, Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Goran Granic, Foreign Minister Tonino Picula and Deputy Speaker of the Croatian Parliament Dr. Zdravko Tomac. During the discussions, the two countries pledged to strengthen bilateral trade relations with the early conclusion of the Agreement on Investment Protection and Promotion. The Croatian Foreign Minister accepted Minister Fernando's invitation to visit Sri Lanka in December with a business delegation to identify key areas of economic cooperation. The two sides also agreed to work towards the early conclusion of the agreements on Air Services, Maritime Cooperation, Avoidance of Double Taxation and cultural and sports cooperation. The Sri Lankan side expressed interest in promoting the sale of Ceylon tea, furniture and textiles to Croatia, while the Croatian side expressed interest in promoting pharmaceutical products, shipbuilding and fisheries sectors. Minister Fernando also expressed interest in establishing linkages between higher educational institutes and diplomatic academies of the two countries. The two Foreign Ministers also discussed regional, international and other issues of mutual interest, including Croatia's proposed accession to the European Union. Sri Lanka and Croatia established diplomatic relations in 1997 and the Foreign Ministries of the two countries last year signed a Protocol on Consultations, whereby the two sides agreed to maintain regular dialogue on matters of mutual interest. The Croatian Foreign Minister and President visited Sri Lanka in May 2001 and November 2002 respectively. |
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