Croatia is about to accomplish one of its most important strategic goals, the full European Union membership, President Ivo Josipovic said on that occasion.
"I expect the conclusion of the accession negotiations before this summer and the signing of the treaty of accession in early winter ," he said adding that he also expected Croatia's admission to the European bloc in 2013.
Upon the entry into the EU, Croatia will not forget its partners outside the Union, notably its neighbours, the Croatian president said advocating the continuation of the enlargement process.
Speaking on behalf of the diplomatic corps, Albanian Ambassador Pellumb Qazimi said that peace and stability were of extreme importance for the entire region.
He said he wished Croatia the entry into the EU as soon as possible.