"The first visit of a Croatian prime minister to Belgrade after so many years is of exceptional importance," Kostunica said in the interview with Hina. He added that the visit came after a number of political meetings throughout Europe, during which the two officials also established good personal relations.
"Our relations are based on good neighbourly relations and partnership in every field, whether it is politics, the economy or culture, and to that I give priority," Kostunica said, stressing that the two countries were moving towards such relations and that all outstanding issues should be solved along the way.
Kostunica said his talks with Sanader would address concrete issues, particularly what could be done to promote economic cooperation. He mentioned as a positive example the reconnection of the Serbian power supply system with Europe's via the Croatian transformer station in Ernestinovo.
"It is in the interest of the two countries to speed up their integration with Europe and every step forward made by one of the countries is in the interest of both," the Serbian prime minister said. He stressed that Serbia and Montenegro and Croatia had an important role in strengthening stability and peace in the region, as well as in strengthening democratic institutions, the rule of law and the fight against corruption.
Kostunica underlined the fact that Sanader's party, the HDZ, and his own Democratic Party of Serbia were members of the same ideological and political organisation, the European People's Party, which he said encouraged better understanding and cooperation regardless of natural differences.
Speaking about the tasks standing before all countries aspiring to join the EU, Kostunica pointed to the need to adjust to the EU's legal framework and standards.
He underlined some unique characteristics of the state union of Serbia and Montenegro which make the country's road to Europe more difficult. It is encouraging that the EU still supports respect for the Belgrade Agreement and the implementation of the Constitutional Charter of Serbia and Montenegro, he said.
Asked to comment on statements by Montenegrin Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic about Montenegro's independence, Kostunica recalled that the Constitutional Charter envisaged the possibility for members of the union to decide on their status at a referendum, but only after some obligations were met.
As regards cooperation with the UN war crimes tribunal in The Hague, Belgrade is aware of its international obligations, he said.
"Cooperation with the Hague tribunal is not questionable. In some segments, such as transmission of documents or freeing witnesses of the obligation to keep a state or military secret, almost everything has been done. As regards the transfer of indictees to The Hague, there are two possibilities: one is arrest and the other voluntary surrender, which is better for stability in the region," Kostunica said.
The problem of persons gone missing in the 1990s war, one of the most important outstanding issues in Croatian-Serbian relations, is "a painful and difficult issue for any government", Kostunica said, adding that for the Serbian government this was not only a political issue, but a matter of morality. He called on all governments in the region to make efforts to establish the truth about the fate of the missing.
Asked about the position of the Croat minority in Serbia, Kostunica said that Serbia had a good law on the protection of national minorities. A Council of National Minorities has been established and it consists of representatives of national councils of all minorities, as well as the ministers of justice, police, education, culture, state administration and local government. He pointed to the first positive experiences of the council and stated: "We care about all national minorities in Serbia, as well as in Croatia, feeling good in their homes and about ensuring all elements which protect their identity."
The process of demilitarisation of borders has started in line with European standards, Kostunica said. He could not say when the army of Serbia and Montenegro would withdraw from the border with Croatia, but expressed a wish for this to happen as soon as possible.
"When it comes to the border on the Danube, it is important not to make mistakes but find a solution with good will and in a constructive spirit."
The status of refugees, their return and property repossession are the most important outstanding issues for Serbia in relations with Croatia, Kostunica said, citing other outstanding issues, from tenancy rights to the consistent implementation of the Law on Amnesty.
In that context, he said, it is very positive that the Croatian government has a political agreement with the Independent Democratic Serb Party (SDSS) and a good cooperation with that party.