"Croatia is entering the New Year as a country that is making satisfactory progress in negotiations with the European Union. Of course, a lot of work lies ahead and we are very much aware of it," Mesic said in his address to some 170 guests, including members of the Croatian government and parliament.
"Croatia is also getting closer to NATO, but by joining Euro-Atlantic integration processes in the future it is by no means considering escaping from the region, as some like to say," he added.
Mesic stressed the need for the development of regional cooperation, continuation of full cooperation with the Hague war crimes tribunal and tough action against corruption and organised crime.
On behalf of the diplomatic corps, Papal Nuncio Francisco Javier Lozano wished the Croatian president a merry Christmas and a happy New Year, expressing hope that "Croatia's full integration with the EU and NATO will be crowned with further successes."