He congratulated Macedonia on applying for EU membership and voiced hope the country would get as soon as possible the European Commission's questionnaire which is necessary for the adoption of an opinion on the start of membership talks.
"I am certain that the united Europe project doesn't stand a chance unless all countries of Southeast Europe are involved," Sanader told a news conference held with Macedonian Prime Minister Hari Kostov, adding that everyone must meet all criteria set by Europe.
Sanader arrived in Macedonia this morning. Upon arrival he met with his host Kostov, and later with Parliament Speaker Ljupce Jordanovski and President Branko Crvenkovski.
Sanader and Kostov attended the signing of an agreement on cooperation between the two countries in EU integration. The agreement was signed by Croatian Foreign Minister Miomir Zuzul and his Macedonian counterpart Ilinka Mitreva.
Speaking of Croatia-Macedonia relations, Sanader said economic cooperation was on the rise and would soon reach US$160 million. He added that representatives of 20 of the biggest Croatian companies were accompanying him on the Macedonian trip and would attend an economic forum with Macedonian business people.
"We are doing all this because after years of crises this region needs peace and prosperity," said Sanader.
He supported the cooperation between Croatia, Macedonia and Albania within the Adriatic Charter, which is intended to bring them closer to NATO membership.
Macedonian PM Kostov said today's talks proved there were no outstanding issues between Croatia and Macedonia and that the two countries could serve as an example of regional cooperation. He congratulated Croatia on obtaining EU candidate status.
Speaking of economic cooperation, Kostov underlined the need of exploiting the advantages of the regime of exporting to the EU, and said the two countries' governments would help business people in this. He added the two sides agreed to sign an agreement on the employment of Macedonian workers in shipbuilding in Croatia.
Croatia-Macedonia trade amounted to US$144.9 million in 2003, up 15 percent from 2002. Croatian exports stood at $70.5 million and were 19 percent higher than in 2002, while imports stood at $74.5 million. In this year's first six months, trade amounted to $81.2 million, up 21.5 percent from the same time in 2003.