Croatia, Canada to step up economic cooperation: ministers

Visiting Canadian Foreign Minister John Baird said on Wednesday Canada will strengthen cooperation with Croatia in some multilateral challenges.

He made the remarks while addressing a joint press conference with Croatian Foreign and European Affairs Minister Vesna Pusic after they had a meeting.

Baird said the word "opportunity" could be used for Croatia-Canada relations, opportunity for more trade, more investment and more jobs in both countries, the Croatian News Agency Hina reported.

Economic growth is a big priority in Canada as in Croatia, Baird said.

Pusic said she talked with Baird on Europe's energy independence and the bilateral cooperation in energy sector, adding Canada was interested in Croatia's energy sector.

There are between 100,000 and 200,000 people of Croatian descent living in Canada, Baird said, adding Canada and Canadians closely followed what was going on in Croatia and its neighborhood.