Putin content with significant rise in trade with Croatia
SOCHI. Oct 18 (Interfax) - Russian President Vladimir Putin notes rising trade between Russia and Croatia and prospects of the two countries developing cooperation.
"I am pleased to note that we are now seeing a significant rise in bilateral trade. We have absolutely clear areas of cooperation, promising ones at that," Putin said before talks with his Croatian counterpart Kolinda Granar-Kitarovic.
The two countries' intergovernmental commission is currently holding a meeting, with the next one is due to take place in Croatia, Putin recalled.
"This is an opportunity to talk about bilateral relations, as well as issues on the regional agenda," Putin said.
Earlier on Wednesday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said at a meeting with Kitarovic: "We in the Russian Federation are interested in the stable development of the Western Balkans through an overcoming of those internal tensions that still remain. We are convinced that, within our common continent, it is important to be open to cooperation with all and not try to act based on the principle of 'either with us or against us'. We are delighted that Croatia is seeking undertake a multipronged foreign policy."