Greece very strongly supports Croatia's progress to the EU. Croatia has already implemented some necessary reforms and has clearly taken a big step in its efforts to get closer to the EU, Karamanlis said.
Our firm friendly relations make it possible for us to help Croatia become a member of the EU and NATO as soon as possible, he added.
Sanader, who was on a day-long official visit, thanked Greece for its support, highlighting the very good relations between the two countries, as evidenced by a declaration on friendship, good neighbourly relations and cooperation which the two prime ministers signed today.
I am sure that the good bilateral relations between Croatia and Greece are also good for our neighbourhood, the Croatian prime minister said, adding that both Croatia and Greece were interested in stabilising the region.
In this context, Sanader reiterated that the security of all the countries in the region lay within the European Union.
As regards the situation in the region, the two prime ministers particularly focused on the Kosovo status issue, concurring that any solution to the problem would have a great impact on the entire European community.
I think we still have time for action to find an acceptable solution for the long-term stabilisation of the region, the Greek prime minister said, noting that a solution to the problem should not be imposed.
Karamanlis and Sanader also discussed the need to promote economic ties between Greece and Croatia.
We are ready to continue the necessary cooperation to facilitate economic investment, and there are also new possibilities of cooperation, particularly in the tourist industry, Karamanlis said.
Sanader said that they had also discussed the need to improve transport links between the two countries and the construction of an Adriatic-Ionian motorway.
Earlier in the day, Sanader met for talks with Greek President Karolos Papoulias.