Speaking at a press conference after the meeting, the two presidents described their talks as friendly and useful.
Rugova said that he expected Croatia's support for Kosovo's efforts to win international recognition as an independent state.
"Our aim is to become an independent state integrated with the European Union and NATO and in a lasting partnership with the United States," Rugova said.
Rugova thanked Mesic for visiting ethnic Croats in the villages of Letnica and Janjevo, and pointed out that Kosovo would guarantee safety to all national minorities living there. "We will do all we can for them to be integrated and safe."
Mesic said he viewed the present status of Kosovo as untenable in the long term and that therefore he supported the steps announced by the international community as well as initiatives coming from Kosovo.
The Croatian president reiterated that in seeking a solution to the Kosovo issue the most important was what citizens want and that all parties agree with a proposed solution.
Mesic said that he had been told by Serbian officials in Belgrade that they wanted to solve the status of Kosovo politically. "They want the Serbian national minority to be protected according to European standards and to be loyal citizens of Kosovo," he said, adding that the Serbian officials had not been precise about what kind of status they wanted for Kosovo.
The Croatian president also met Kosovo Premier Bajram Kosumi, Parliament Speaker Nexhat Daci, opposition leaders Veton Surroi and Hashim Taqi, and Serbian representatives involved in Kosovo institutions.