According to the statement, Bradtke said Croatia's contribution to the war against terrorism and NATO's ISAF Mission in Afghanistan was significant.
He expressed conviction the two countries had good foundations for the further strengthening of bilateral relations, adding that not only were the doors of NATO opened to Croatia, but that the US wanted to see Croatia walk though these doors. Bradtke said his country would continue to assist Croatia in preparations for full membership, the statement said.
Croatia has made good progress in implementing political, economic and defence reforms, necessary for membership of NATO and the EU, the new ambassador said, adding that the US expected members of the alliance to send a strong signal of support to Croatia and other countries aspiring to join NATO from a summit, to be held in Riga in November.
Mesic said Croatia and the US had the same or similar positions about a number of issues, adding that there were some issues on which the two countries had different positions.
Mesic stressed that relations with the the US were extremely important in Croatia's foreign policy, adding that the two countries were on the same side in the fight against global terrorism, the statement form the president's office said.