Croatian FM, Israeli PM talk economic projects

(Hina) - Croatian Foreign Minister Miro Kovač and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem on Monday discussed economic projects

(Hina) - Croatian Foreign Minister Miro Kovač and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem on Monday discussed economic projects, notably in irrigation, and cooperation against cyber terrorism.

Croatia has a sensibility for Israel as a country which had to liberate itself and win its independence and stability and understands Israel's care for security very well, Kovač said after the talks with his host.

We talked about cooperation possibilities in economic projects, notably irrigation projects, and about cooperation in effectively combating cyber terrorism, he added. "I talked with Prime Minister Netanyahu as a friend and I think he felt that I came as a friend of Israel and Israelis."

There is sympathy between the two peoples and "it's up to us to give this relationship more substance," Kovač said. He is the first Croatian foreign minister visiting Israel after Croatia joined the European Union in July 2013.

The two officials also talked about the current situation in Europe, with Kovač telling Netanyahu that Croatia was very tolerant and successful in the protection of its ethnic and all other minorities.

As part of Kovač's visit, Croatia and Israel signed a programme of cultural and educational cooperation.

Kovač is also scheduled to visit Yad Vashem and meet with Croatian Franciscans in Jerusalem.

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