Croatia: Fico and Plenkovic Discuss Gas Imports and More Intense Cooperation

Zagreb/Bratislava, April 16 (TASR) - Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico in Zagreb on Wednesday called on Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic to support the renewal of natural gas transit through Ukraine, TASR's special correspondent reported on the same day. Fico thanked his Croatian counterpart for the possibility of receiving liquefied natural gas (LNG) via terminals on the Croatian island of Krk, but according to the Slovak prime minister, this is currently a more expensive option for Slovakia. Fico again emphasised that Slovakia has no problem covering domestic consumption, but it's losing revenues from transit fees through Slovak territory. "Renewing the flow of gas through Ukraine should be in the interests of the entire European Union, and Slovakia as well, of course," he said. In Fico's view, his visit to Croatia confirms the excellent relations between the two countries. The Slovak premier expressed thanks for the reception of the Slovak delegation in Zagreb and also the reception of the Slovak tourists who come to the Mediterranean country every year on holiday. "I want to thank you for the hospitality that is typical for you," he stated, also praising the support shown to the Slovak minority living in Croatia. Fico and Plenkovic agreed on several issues during their talks, including the need to strengthen bilateral trade and cooperation in the area of illegal migration, and the need to support the status of cohesion and agricultural policy in the EU's multi-annual financial framework. The prime ministers welcomed the improvement in economic exchanges between the two countries, which, according to Plenkovic, exceed €1.5 billion. Croatia is extremely important in protecting the Schengen border, in particular the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina, Fico emphasised. Because of this, he offered Plenkovic direct support – the provision of technical, material, and other assistance. mf/df