"I urge us all to leave the divisions and misconceptions to history. Only united can we build a better Croatia. Let us compete with ideas, solutions and innovations, and not with the historic roles of our fathers and grandfathers. Ideological divisions will not help us achieve a better life, nor will we become better people. We will only deepen old divisions and create new conflicts, which have never done anyone any good. The same way President Tudjman reconciled the divided Croatian nation and created conditions for the establishment of the Croatian state, today, we must turn a new page for a better future through new Croatian unity. Let us look for a better life in the future, not in the past," Grabar-Kitarovic said in her speech.
Thanking the two former presidents for their contribution in building the Croatian democracy, she said that she would not hesitate to ask for their advice as even their differences should be used for the benefit of the country.
Recalling all who gave their lives for the homeland, she expressed special gratitude to Franjo Tudjman, "the front runner of this historic endeavour and the founding father of the modern Croatian state."
"The elections are behind us. Croatia has once again proved to be a democratic country. Starting today, we have to turn all of our differences, that were evident in the campaign, into our strength. I will be the President of all Croatian citizens, regardless of their political affiliation, ethnic, religious and sexual orientation. I will uncompromisingly protect those who are the most vulnerable in our society," said Grabar-Kitarovic.
She promised to be the citizens' voice and to do her best to make Croatia a rich country, "the country that young people will not leave, the country which will have more births than deaths, where people in their best years will reap the fruits of their work."
"If I make a mistake, and those who work do make mistakes, I will have the strength to acknowledge and rectify it. After all, we are only humans. But I stand here before you and say this: I will never do anything against Croatian national interests!"
Grabar-Kitarovic recalled that Croatia's economic crisis had been going on for six years and that such deep problems required urgent and coordinated action by all elements of the state authority, as well as of trade unions and employers.
"This is the moment when we have to reach a national consensus on key issues. There is neither room nor time for divisions. We have shown that we possess the strength necessary for such unity in several key moments during the last two decades. It is high time we rose above individual or party interests and dealt with this economic crisis. We must look to the future and carry out changes which cannot be put off any longer. We must stop living off of the money borrowed from future generations," she stressed.
Grabar-Kitarovic underlined as a strategic national interest the creation of new jobs, noting that new jobs were created by private initiative.
She called for zero tolerance to corruption and welcomed all activities by the competent authorities in rooting it out. She warned against creating the climate of anti-entrepreneurship and called on the government to do everything in its power to motivate entrepreneurs through tax policy and to stimulate strong private initiative.
"We have to stimulate the competition of business ideas and build a positive environment that will result in new businesses," the President said, underlining as desirable a strategic orientation to family farms, small and medium enterprise, innovations and the use of clean technology.
"Let us finally become truly aware of the comparative advantages of this beautiful country, and let us start using them responsibly and efficiently."
Underlining the importance of economic diplomacy in looking for new markets, Grabar-Kitarovic said that she would personally be Croatia's first economic diplomat.
"Above all, we have to take more advantage of our membership in the EU, as well as of the free trade agreement, in order to open new and untraditional markets to our exporters."
The new president also underlined the importance of high-quality education, development of science and research and the need to define the main elements of the country's development.
"We must finally define the main elements of our development and start believing truly in the sustainable development and what it really means – a development that takes care of the environment, at the same time leaving room for progress and growth. Let us learn from those who have protected their environment and their heritage, and let us open the door to development," Grabar-Kitarovic said, calling for investing more effort in absorbing EU funds.
As the Supreme Commander of the Croatian Armed Forces, Grabar-Kitarovic said that Croatia's NATO membership guaranteed the country security, noting that the best guarantor of security were modern and well-equipped Croatian armed forces.
"Croatia is a peace-loving country and will never be a threat to anyone, but today's world brings new challenges, especially in the context of international terrorism. Strong armed forces guarantee stability and strengthen our democratic values," Grabar-Kitarovic said greeting Croatian soldiers in peace missions around the world and noting that Croatia was proud of them.
She also noted that the developments in international relations must not be underestimated. "New wars and conflicts are emerging, we are witnessing the collapse of the world order as we know it in many parts of the world. Croatia has its attitude, its policy and its interests. We will promote them more actively. We will fight for them relentlessly on all levels!" she said.
Speaking of the country's foreign policy, she said that Croatia would continue cooperating with its neighbours and its allies in the EU and NATO, identifying as a strategic interest the integration of the entire Southeast Europe into European and Euro-Atlantic organisations.
"Any other option prolongs the uncertainty and can eventually lead to restoring the old lines of division."
"I want the countries of South-East Europe to become members of the European family, and in this we offer our hand. I expect to finally resolve open issues with our neighbours, such as border disputes. In our relations with Serbia, the status of the missing persons from the Homeland War shall have a special place, as well as the mutual protection of the rights of minorities. National minorities are a Croatian national treasure. I will develop and protect their rights, but also promote the rights of Croats in neighbouring countries."
Underlining as a special foreign policy goal the protection of the Croat community in Bosnia and Herzegovina, she said that she considered Bosnia and Herzegovina a country of three equal constituent nations - Bosniaks, Serbs and Croats.
In a special message to Croatian emigrants, Grabar-Kitarovic said: "You are also Croatia, and I will never let anyone neglect your role and your contribution in the formation of the Croatian state. You are an important link between your country and the world, but you are also an important element of this country, which will continue to contribute to our national development. The doors of Croatia are wide open for you. Your knowledge and experience are valuable to your homeland. It is our obligation to offer you honest and real opportunity for investment, education and return."
Grabar-Kitarovic said that her term in office would especially be devoted to the young, adding that she saw them as the leaders of the new Croatian unity.
Underlining also the importance of tradition, she said: "In this special moment I want to emphasise the importance of family, religion, culture and tradition. These elements have preserved our identity," the President said, promising that she would use her constitutional powers to the benefit of everyone in Croatia and that she would be led by patriotism, inclusion, respect and the protection of national interests.
"I believe in you, my country, my Croatia!" the new Croatian President said concluding her inaugural speech.