Sanader told the press he accepted the invitation to attend with pleasure, saying he was glad he was able to talk Croatia's European Union entry negotiations with numerous guests from Europe.
Attending the birthday, among others, were Slovak Prime Minister Mikulas Dzurinda, the chief of the European People's Party club of deputies in the European Parliament, Hans Gert Poettering, and a number of members of the European Parliament.
Sanader also held talks with Austrian ministers about concrete projects of investment in Croatia. "We know Austria is our biggest trade partner, but we also want as many greenfield investments as possible," he said.
Sanader also thanked Schuessel for his constant and strong support to Croatia, also evidenced during Schuessel's visit to Zagreb last Friday.
The birthday party was organised by the Schuessel's Austrian People's Party. Sanader said this party and his Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) enjoyed very good cooperation.
Sanader presented Schuessel with a portrait of the chancellor done by Dimitrije Popovic and a monograph of the Croatian painter. The Croatian PM said Schuessel was pleasantly surprised by the gift and liked it.
Sanader was accompanied by Croatian Culture Minister Bozo Biskupic.