Mesic said Ambassador Simurdic had been a good interpreter of his country's policy in Croatia and of Croatia's policy in Serbia and Montenegro.
Ambassador Simurdic agreed with Mesic's assessment that relations between Belgrade and Zagreb were improving, adding that efforts should be made to prevent problems in bilateral relations dictate the pace and manner of development of bilateral relations and that the two countries should also avoid the temptation of sweeping problems under the carpet.
In years to come, the two countries will continue to face the issue of cooperation with the Hague tribunal and deal with the legacy of the past, a particularly sensitive issue being the conduct of national courts in that context.
President Mesic presented Ambassador Simurdic with the Order of Prince Branimir with the Chain for his contribution to the development of relations between Croatia and Serbia and Montenegro, the statement said.