Croatian PM visits RI

Croatian PM visits RI

JAKARTA (JP): Croatian Prime Minister Nikica Valentic is
scheduled to arrive in Jakarta this afternoon to begin a brief
two-day visit.

Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono announced yesterday that
Valentic and President Soeharto are expected to explore ways to
establish economic ties between the two countries.

The former Yugoslav republic is a center of economic
activities and industry, he noted.

Indonesia recognized Croatia in May 1992, soon after it
declared its independence from Yugoslavia. Four months later, in
September, it formally established diplomatic ties.

Valentic will be accompanied by his top economic advisor
Franjo Greguric, Economic Minister Nadan Vidosevic and
Transportation Minister Ivica Mudrinic, Moerdiono said.

He did not rule out the possibility that the two leaders would
also discuss the latest situation in Bosnia-Herzegovina, given
Soeharto's position as chairman of the Non-Aligned Movement.

He added that Croatia appears to want to open a diplomatic
mission in Jakarta soon.

Soeharto and First Lady Mrs. Tien Soeharto are scheduled to
host a banquet in honor of the Croatian guest tonight.

Valentic and his entourage will leave Indonesia after talks on
Monday. (emb)