SANTIAGO, Oct 20 (Hina) - Croatia and Chile enjoy good cooperation on all fronts but it needs to be expanded, presidents Stjepan Mesic and Ricardo Lagos Escobar told the press in Santiago on Thursday.

"We have concluded it is necessary to strengthen cultural and scientific cooperation, and notably economic cooperation," said Croatia's Mesic, who is visiting Chile at Lagos's invitation.

"Croatian-Chilean relations are developing positively, but not as swiftly as we would like," said Mesic, adding that today's meeting with Lagos was an opportunity to discuss advancing bilateral cooperation.

A protocol on scientific and technical cooperation was signed in their presence.

"We have a lot more to do, especially on the economic front," said Lagos, adding that Chile wished to advance the exchange on all fronts. Trade between the two countries is a mere four million US dollars, in which Croatian exports account for only one-fourth.

Both presidents said cooperation in tourism should be advanced. "Both Chile and Croatia have a lot to offer in tourism," said Mesic.

According to Lagos, Chile closely followed last week's summit of 16 Central European presidents in Zagreb. "You discussed EU integration, which for us is the best way of economic integration," he said.

Mesic said today's talks also addressed the large Croatian community in Chile. "They are the best link to bring the two countries closer together," he said.

Lagos recalled visiting Croatia last year, including the island of Brac, from which many Croats left for Chile in the 1870s. He said they brought with them their culture and tradition, while simultaneously becoming an important part of Chile's culture, science, literature, politics and public life.

Lagos said Croatia and Chile shared many similarities, such as the democracy they wanted for their peoples, the values they wanted to achieve, and the respect for international commitments.

"Croatia's road to peace was long, but (Croatia) resolved all problems through modern dialogue, which is why we are very pleased to have supported its candidacy for nonpermanent membership of the UN Security Council for the period 2008-2009," said Lagos.

Discussing global issues, the two presidents agreed globalisation was an irreversible process, and that the problems caused by terrorist threats and natural disasters could only be solved by uniting efforts within the international community.

Later today, the Croatian president is scheduled to visit the Supreme Court and the Santiago City Hall, where Mayor Raul Alcain will hand him the keys to the city as a honorary citizen.

On Friday, Mesic will address a Croatian-Chilean economic forum and in the afternoon travel to Antofagasta.