Gonzi to meet Croatian PM

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi will today tell his Croatian counterpart Ivo Sanader that the two countries can use their regional expertise to cooperate on joint initiatives in north African and eastern European countries.

The Prime Minister's emphasis on trade during their meeting in Zagreb, the Croatian capital, follows cooperation initiatives between the chambers of commerce of both countries, and he will in particular encourage Croat businesses to use Malta to tap the emerging Libyan market.

The Chamber of Small and Medium Enterprise - GRTU and the Croatian Chamber of Trades and Crafts recently formalised an agreement on cooperation to assist Croatian enterprises during Croatia's negotiations with the EU. This includes training by the GRTU for the Croatian chamber as well as support for businessmen in both countries who are seeking investment opportunities.

The Prime Minister will also express Malta's continued support for Croatia's bid to join the EU and offer practical assistance that will be useful in its negotiations with the Union, which is particularly concerned about the purchase of real estate by foreigners after Croatia gains accession.

Dr Sanader had openly expressed his admiration during a visit to the island in July 2004 for the way Malta handled its membership negotiations, saying it had obtained an "exceptional package" and was a "good example that many ought to follow". Relations between the two countries have since remained close.

Dr Gonzi will also urge Croatia to explore with the European Commission the possibility of gaining full observer status at the Euro-Mediterranean process - the EU's main instrument of policy for Mediterranean countries - and pledge Malta's support for such an initiative.

Croatia has made it known that it would like to be included in Euro-Med, but this is unlikely since enlargement is not currently on the agenda of the process since its members, particularly the Arab countries, feel that it might divert the Union's political and financial attention from the southern Mediterranean countries.

The two prime ministers will also discuss illegal immigration in the Mediterranean and political developments in the Balkan region - particularly the status of Kosovo and tensions in Bosnia.

The Prime Minister is accompanied by Foreign Affairs Minister Michael Frendo and Malta's Ambassador to Croatia Ray Mercieca.