Gligorov said that Croatia and Macedonia had a common interest - joining NATO and the EU.
The former Macedonian president said that members of the Macedonian national minority in Croatia were very satisfied with the way they were treated in Rijeka and that they enjoyed equal treatment as other citizens.
Mayor Obersnel stressed the importance of the fact that tolerance had been preserved in Rijeka in the past 15 years.
Later today, Gligorov will take part in a panel debate on the current state of affairs in the Balkans and Macedonia and minority issues in the wider region in European integration processes. He is also scheduled to launch his book called "Viorni Vreminja" (Turbulent times, unofficial translation).