"As far as bilateral relations are concerned, we can be satisfied, and what we disagree on does not have to divide us," said Mesic. "Those problems can be solved and overall relations must not suffer due to individual problems."
Bosnian Presidency chairman Nebojsa Radmanovic too said that there existed outstanding issues, such as borders, the southern Croatian seaport of Ploce, and property, but highlighted Mesic's assessment that bilateral relations were friendly and that today's visit was aimed at further improving them.
Radmanovic said that outstanding issues would be the focus of Saturday's session of the Croatian-Bosnian Interstate Council as well as of upcoming cooperation and activities of the two countries' governments.
"We must not lose sight of the ultimate goal -- equal, friendly and good neighbourly relations to mutual benefit," said Mesic. "We do not have to always agree on everything, but it is important to talk using valid arguments."
The two sides also talked about Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with Mesic saying that "Croatia is interested in their living conditions, it will help them, but their homeland is Bosnia and Herzegovina".
"Croatia will help them most by developing and strengthening relations with BiH," he said.
As regards the situation in the region, the two sides were agreed that it is necessary to avoid everything that could destabilise the region in any way.
"In defining the final architecture of relations one must also start from historical circumstances and the acceptable solution for Croatia is the one that is at least equally undesirable to all interested parties," said Mesic.
Croatia will continue to support BiH's stability and internal cohesion, and advocate that all three peoples be equal, Mesic said. Commenting on the Dayton peace agreements, he said they had been "the basis for stopping the war," but added that "Croatia does not support the position that is transforming the agreement into dogma".
Radmanovic said Bosnia and Herzegovina belonged to Europe and that the road to the European Union that lay ahead was of the utmost priority. He added Bosnia was happy about the fact that Croatia had already made great progress on that road as this was useful for Bosnia as well.