The two delegations also discussed military cooperation between the two countries, which will officially begin this autumn when Croatia is due to send a military attache to Portugal.
Cabral Portas told reporters that Croatia could expect great support from Portugal in its efforts to join the European Union and NATO as soon as possible.
"I am impressed by your efforts to build your institutions according to the highest democratic standards and to enable the development of a free economy. I am particularly impressed that you have succeeded in achieving a high degree of the rule of law and public freedoms," the Portuguese minister said.
Cabral Portas said that his ministry must and wants to learn from the Croatian Navy. He praised Croatia's efforts to protect the sovereignty of its coast although its coastal guard has not yet been fully organised.
Roncevic said that Croatia wanted to achieve the highest degree of defence cooperation with Portugal, because Portugal could convey its experiences in organising the coastal guard.
Responding to a reporter's question, Roncevic said he was satisfied with the course of reorganisation of the Croatian armed forces and that all military reforms were proceeding according to plan.