Mesic thanked Admiral Di Paola for his visit at the moment when Croatia was on the threshold of NATO membership, according to a press release issued by the Office of President Mesic.
Mesic said his country's admission to the alliance was the result of the standards Croatia had reached and the reforms it had made as well as of the de-politicisation and professionalism of the armed forces and Croatian troops' participation in many international peace missions.
The admiral said that with his visit a week ahead of what he described a historic summit meeting in Strasbourg and Kehl, on the 60th anniversary of the alliance, when it will receive two new members - Albania and Croatia, he arrived in Zagreb to thank Croatia for its contribution to NATO's objectives and missions.
Mesic expressed conviction that by its own example Croatia would contribute to reform processes in countries in the region and thus help them in their efforts to join Euro-Atlantic integration processes.
According to a press release issued by the government's public relations office, Kosor said that with its entry into NATO, Croatia would become an increasingly stronger factor of stability in the region.
Admiral Di Paola expressed hope that Croatia would also soon complete its accession negotiating process with the European Union, after it was successful on its road towards NATO.