Minister Žužul met in Zagreb with Russian Foreign Minister Sergej Lavrov

Minister Žužul pointed out that Croatia is optimistic about the development of the relations with the Russian Federation, especially economic, as proven by the conclusion of the negotiation on the clearing debt of the Russian Federation to the Republic of Croatia. Both sides expressed interest for the intensification of the economic relations and agreed on active preparations of bilateral agreements on stimulation and mutual protection of investment, military and technical co-operation, co-operation in preventing and mitigating natural and man-made disasters, co-operation in fighting crime, including international terrorism, and agreements on cultural co-operation between the Republic of Croatia and the Russian Federation.

It was also pointed out that the two countries have a high level of friendly relations with no open issues and both sides expressed their confidence that the relations will continue to develop in light of the improvement of Russia’s relations with the EU and Croatia’s membership negotiations.

Ministers Žužul and Lavrov also discussed the situation in the region, Croatia’s relations with its neighbours and multilateral co-operation, and exchanged opinions on the current crisis spots in the world. Minister Lavrov said that Russian investors are greatly interested in investing Croatian tourism, especially on the Adriatic. He expressed Russia’s interest to take active part in the development of the European energetic structure so that Russia would be an equal partner to the EU, especially in the region.

Speaking about the Družba Adria project, the two sides stressed the need to complete the scientific study about the influence of the project on environment protection on the basis of which public discussion would be conducted and a final decision would be reached on Croatia’s participation in the project. Apart from the deepening of economic ties between the two countries, both are interested in strengthening the cultural co-operation, and the Russian side confirmed its intention to open a Russian cultural centre in Zagreb and construct a new building for the Russian embassy. Consultations between the two ministries in 2005 were agreed upon, which will bring forth a platform for mutual appearance in multilateral and international political activities.