Under the headline "We are seeking a better life in the future, not in the past", Oslobodjenje said that in a emotionally charged atmosphere in Zagreb's St. Mark's Square, Grabar-Kitarovic called for building unity and overcoming differences in society.
The daily described the speech as optimistic, underlining the fact that the new president sent very important messages to the neighbours in which she stressed that it was in Croatia's strategic interest that the entire Southeast Europe make progress in Euro-Atlantic integration.
Dnevni Avaz described the inauguration as "spectacular" under the headline "Tears at inauguration." It highlighted Grabar-Kitarovic's vow that she would help Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) strengthen its statehood.
The paper said her messages "echoed in the region" because she vowed to lead Croatia to the future without ignoring the lessons from the past. The daily said BiH chronically needed such an approach as its politicians fought for positions.
Citing a statement from the BiH Presidency, the media said that BiH's state leaders and Grabar-Kitarovic concluded at a meeting after the inauguration that BiH and Croatia were friends and good neighbours, that they discussed the activities and priorities of BiH's authorities in the EU association process, and that Grabar-Kitarovic said Croatia was willing to help BiH in that.
Dnevni Avaz quoted Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic as saying that by attending the inauguration, he wished to confirm the willingness to strengthen regional cooperation because "the time of politically humiliating each other is over."
"Just as I don't let anyone humiliate Serbia or me, engaging in a policy in which I would deal blows to someone or pretend that I'm someone much bigger is the furthest thing from my mind. We'll talk openly, as friends, and I believe it's important we look to the future," he told Dnevni Avaz in Zagreb.