Minister of Agriculture Bozidar Pankretic of Croatia

ZAGREB, May 7 (AFP) - A severe drought which has killed crops in Croatia's agricultural east has caused damage estimated at more than 200 million kunas (26 million euros, 29 million dollars), Agriculture Minister Bozidar Pankretic said on Wednesday.

Agriculture Minister Bozidar Pankretic said the unused land could be worth "at least 20 billion euros in a few years" and he is due to draft a strategy for its use by the end of this year.

Pankretic said the meeting was held in "an exceptionally constructive and responsible atmosphere," adding, "The interest of both countries' business people in cooperation is great, and a free trade agreement should be signed as soon as possible.