The new Swedish Ambassador, Lars Freden, underlined the good bilateral relations, adding that more than 100,000 Swedish tourists visited Croatia every year. Sweden appreciates Croatia's important role in maintaining the stability of Southeast Europe, adding that his country was looking forward to welcoming Croatia as a new member of the European Union.
President Mesic said that Croatia appreciated the economic and social balance achieved by Sweden as well as its tradition of respect for human and minority rights. The cooperation between Scandinavian countries is a formula which may help overcome the burden of the past in this part of Europe as well, Mesic said.
Presenting her credentials to Mesic, Australian Ambassador Tracy Reid expressed satisfaction with the good bilateral relations, adding that her country supported Croatia's efforts to join the EU and NATO.
President Mesic voiced hope that the good relations between the two countries would be promoted, notably in the economy.
Ismat Jahan, the Ambassador of Bangladesh, recalled the two country's similar, difficult path to independence. Bangladesh has been maintaining a stable economic growth in recent years and is interested in closer political and economic relations with Croatia, Jahan said.
President Mesic told the new Bangladeshi ambassador that Croatia was committed to fighting underdevelopment and poverty.