"I have been supporting and I will continue to support Croatia's integration in a number of processes of united Europe and modern world, not only in form but also in content," the President said in his address to representatives of the diplomatic corps whom he thanked for their support so far.
Mesic said it was in Croatia's interest to grow stronger economically and become a country that would attract international investments, know how to protect its potential and adjust it to internationally accepted standards, and a country promoting its economic and investment cooperation with its neighbours.
All countries of Southeast Europe must assume responsibility for peace and stability in the region, he said.
Speaking on behalf of the diplomatic corps, the apostolic nuncio in Croatia, Javier Francisco Lozano, said that everybody was closely watching the development of the democratic and political life in Croatia. Lozano thanked the Croatian Government for its cooperation with the international community and hailed its readiness to listen to advice.
"We were closely watching your efforts to achieve stability and progress and gain international reputation, and the talks that you will start in Brussels to win full membership of the EU are proof of that reality," Lozano said.
"It is up to you and the Government to take steps so that all citizens could prosper and make changes in the country to their own benefit," Lozano said.
Mesic said Croatia was in the second round of presidential elections, in which he said he saw the affirmation of democratic values and democratic processes.
He stressed he expected that all elected representatives of the Croatian authorities would persist in the ongoing process of institutional and social reforms.
Mesic said he would advocate Croatia's credibility in the international community, the strengthening of civil freedoms and democracy, and peace, stability and development in Southeast Europe.