"It is our historical task and obligation to support Croatia's integration with the European Union, it is in the interest of both the Carpathian Valley and the EU," Gyurcsany said after his talks with Sanader.
The Hungarian PM said he believed that Zagreb had done and would continue doing its utmost to fulfill the necessary criteria and start talks with the EU on March 17 as scheduled.
The Hague tribunal has accused Zagreb of failing to meet an important criterion to prove that it is cooperating fully with it, namely, to arrest and hand over General Ante Gotovina. This may lead to the postponement of Croatia's EU entry talks, EU Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn said last week.
The Hungarian government is ready to seek evidence if any government, EU member or institution decides to obstruct the opening of talks with Croatia, the Hungarian PM said, adding that the future of a nation can be determined only on the basis of evidence.
Croatian PM Sanader reiterated that he was optimistic about the start of EU membership talks on March 17. "There is no double game in Croatia... Gotovina must shed light on his role in the Homeland War before the Hague tribunal. There is no alternative to that," Sanader said answering a question by a Hungarian reporter.
The two prime ministers also discussed economic issues, primarily the privatisation of the Croatian oil company INA. The Hungarian oil company MOL, which already holds shares in INA, wants to continue participating in the further privatisation of INA.
Sanader said that he had assured Gyurcsany that all Hungarian companies bidding for INA shares would be treated objectively.
He added that Hungary was one of the five leading investors in Croatia, but stressed that the best bidder would win. Sanader could not state the value of funds expected from the sale of INA shares, but stated that the privatisation would be public and transparent.
The two officials also discussed the construction of the Pecs-Osijek gas pipeline, investments in the Rijeka port, and transport routes.
Gyurcsany said that Hungary would complete its section of the M5b corridor running to the border with Croatia and Slovenia by 2006/2007.
The two prime ministers signed a declaration on minorities on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of an agreement on minority protection.
Gyurcsany said that it was Hungary's duty to make it possible for local Croats to elect their representatives to the Hungarian parliament in the near future.
Sanader and his host also talked about Croatia and Hungary's joint candidacy to host the 2012 European football championship, a Croatian-Hungarian dictionary project, and the opening of a Croatian language department in Pecs and a Hungarian language department in Osijek.