INDIA TO INTENSIFY CULTURAL RELATIONS WITH CROTIA-BHAVNABEN CHIKHALIA

---

India is very keen to have close cultural and economic relations with Croatia and other countries in the region. This was stated by the Minister of State for Tourism and Culture and Parliamentary Affairs, Smt. Bhavnaben Chikhalia in a meeting with Croatian President, Mr. Mesic at Jagreb, Croatia yesterday. Mrs. Chikhalia who is there to attend meeting of cultural Ministers from October 16-19, 2003, said that there is tremendous scope for increase cooperation between the countries in the field of culture, education and high technology. She said besides this India would also like to increase exchange in the field of parliamentary practices being the largest democracy in the world.

President Mesic expressed keen interest in Indian culture. He said that he was looking forward to the visit of Vice-Presidnet of India to Croatia to whom he had extended an invitation recently.

Smt. Chikhalia also called on Mr. Zlatko Tomcic, President of Croatian Parliament, and Dr. Ante Simonic, Vice Prime Minister. Mr. Tomcic expressed satisfaction over the ongoing parliamentary cooperation. He said that parliamentary delegations from Croatia would visit India soon after the parliamentary elections. Dr. Simonic praised the rich and diverse culture of India.