VALLETTA, Malta (di-ve news)--August 25, 2006 -- 1420CEST--Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi has on Wednesday met his Croatian counterpart Ivo Sander as part of his official visit to the Balkan country.

The two Prime Ministers discussed the relationship between Malta and Croatia and on how this could be strengthened on political and commercial levels, within the context of both the EU and the Mediterranean.

During the meeting, sectors such as education, culture, tourism, maritime and aquaculture were also identified among those offering an opportunity for further collaboration between the two countries.

In view of Croatia's application to join the EU, Prime Minister Gonzi and Prime Minister Sander also agreed that Malta should share its experience to help Croatia in its negotiations.

The Prime Ministers of the two countries also referred to irregular immigration and to the means that should be used to address the challenge.

Later on in the day, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi also had an official meeting with the President of the Republic of Croatia, Stjepan Mesic.

Meanwhile, in a separate meeting held on Thursday, Foreign Affairs Minister Michael Frendo met his Croatian counterpart Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic. During the meeting, it was agreed that the two Ministries should start the exchange of Diplomats as from the coming year.

Source: http://www.di-ve.com/dive/portal/portal.jhtml?id=245621&pid=23