Mesic said Croatia and Austria had good relations at all levels, with Austria being one of the biggest investors in Croatia. He added Austrian tourists were always eagerly expected on the Croatian coast and that the Croatian community in Austria was an important link between the two countries.
The ambassador underlined the importance of Mesic's advocacy over the last five years of respect for human rights, refugee returns, cooperation with the Hague war crimes tribunal, and normalisation of relations and cooperation with neighbours, which Knitel said were an important model for the entire region.
Knitel said Croatia and Austria enjoyed excellent political relations, dynamic economic relations, and an intensive cultural cooperation, but added there was still room to expand and improve relations.
The ambassador said many memories linked him to Croatia given that 10 years ago he took part in Croatia's admission to the Council and Europe and 46 years ago spent his first vacation in Croatia.