Mesic cited respect for every human being, solidarity among people, development of peace, justice, commitment to dialogue and understanding as essential values contained in the message of the holiday of the birth of Jesus Christ. "I am confident that with these values we can safely build the development of our country and the happiness of all its citizens."
"Today the Republic of Croatia is seeking a worthy place among European countries and is ready to accept their values, but at the same time it wishes to incorporate its own best values into the joint European family.
"A great step has been made lately on our path towards that goal, and the Catholic Church has made an important contribution to it. (...) I believe that the fruitful cooperation between the Catholic Church and institutions of the Republic of Croatia in all areas of social life will continue contributing strongly to the general progress and good of our country," the president said in his message.
Mesic also extended his best wishes to other Christian believers who celebrate Christmas according to the Gregorian calender.