Mesic told the meeting on Wednesday that his position was probably in contrast with the prevailing position in the international community which bills global terrorism as the gravest global problem.
I do not deny the urgency and potentially greater danger stemming from threats of global terrorism, but I also responsibly claim that we shall not successfully cope with those problems if we neglect the problem of development, Mesic said addressing over 160 heads of state or government who convened in New York for the 60th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
I am convinced that underdevelopment, poverty, hunger, exposure to serious diseases, and denial of opportunities to receive basic education create an ambience which may recruit terrorists, the Croatian head of state said.
That's why the world needs development, i.e. even global development, he stressed.
Commenting on the problem of globalisation which has also negative consequences, Mesic urged that this process should be such one that can encourage the development in the world.
Development must become a global process, he added.
He also welcomed steps which developed countries are taking so as to eradicate poverty in underdeveloped countries and finance their development.