HINA news agency, Zagreb, Croatia
May 22 2009

Croatia, Armenia want to develop stronger bilateral relations –
president

ZAGREB, May 22 (Hina) – Croatia and Armenia want to develop better
bilateral relations and the signing of two cooperation agreements has
created a legal framework for the establishment of stronger relations,
according to sources close to Croatia’s delegation accompanying
President Stjepan Mesic during his first official visit to Armenia.

The visit started on Friday [22 May] with a welcome ceremony given for
Croatia’s president in the Armenian capital Erevan, followed by talks
with Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan.

The meeting of the two heads of state, that lasted nearly half hour
longer than scheduled, was held in an open and friendly
atmosphere. The two officials talked about history, the break-up of
the former Yugoslavia, the 1915 genocide that is a stumbling block
between Armenia and Turkey, the Nagorno-Karabakh issue, prospects for
the development of relations between Croatia and Armenia and current
global issues.

After the talks, the two countries signed an agreement on avoiding
double taxation and an agreement on cooperation in culture and
education, which created a legal framework for the establishment of
stronger bilateral relations.

Mesic also met Armenian Parliament Speaker Hovik Abrahamyan.

Armenia is also interested in Croatian experiences in development and
drawing closer to Euro-Atlantic associations.

The Armenian president expressed interest in the project of highway
construction. Armenian parliament sources announced the initiative
aimed at establishing a friendship group with Croatia.

The talks in parliament focused on the current economic situation in
both countries and the global economic crisis.

Later today, Mesic is expected to give a talk at the university in
Erevan.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress