"The holding of the referendum is a watershed moment in the recent history of neighbouring Montenegro. This is an event which will not only determine Montenegro's future path, but also make it possible to position Montenegro's relations with its neighbours, including Serbia, on new, lasting and sound foundations, which will be important not only for Montenegro, but also for the wider region," Mesic said in a statement on Monday.
"I firmly believe that a stable and progressive Montenegro, committed to democracy and European values and standards, is also in the best interest of the Republic of Croatia and entirely in keeping with the concept of the region we live in as a region of peace, security and stability."
Mesic underlined that the "referendum was carried out in keeping with regulations set by the European Union and its result leaves no room for any doubts as to the solution the majority of Montenegro's citizens opted for".
"I am confident that international factors as well as all relevant circles in the region will treat the result as a reality. Croatia will accept, with all the consequences, the outcome of the referendum in Montenegro as the result of the democratically expressed will of the majority of that country's citizens," Mesic said in the statement.