It is in our interest that Croatia fulfils the criteria for membership in NATO and the European Union as soon as possible and becomes a full member of these organisations. Bulgaria's experience is at Croatia's disposal, Stanishev told reporters after meeting his host, Croatian Prime Minister Ivo Sanader.
Bulgaria is a good friend and champion of Croatia's membership in NATO and the EU and we will continue to support it on that road, the Bulgarian premier said.
Sanader congratulated Bulgaria on its historic success, admission to the European Union on January 1 this year, saying that with Bulgaria's accession to the EU and NATO Croatia had one more friend in the two organisations.
Croatia expects an invitation to join NATO at an alliance summit in the spring of 2008, and as far as EU membership talks are concerned, they could be concluded by the end of 2008 and Croatia could join the bloc in 2009, Sanader said.
Speaking of the situation in the region, Sanader said that the permanent political stability of Southeast Europe was in the interests of both countries and that they would continue cooperating in that regard both bilaterally and within the Southeast Europe Cooperation Process (SEECP).
Bulgaria believes that only Euro-Atlantic integration can guarantee lasting stability, prosperity and democratic development in the whole region. The European future of this region will not be guaranteed unless we show our maturity and ability to develop regional cooperation. At this moment it is very important to find a lasting and stable solution to the situation in Kosovo and that the international community continues its involvement in Bosnia and Herzegovina to ensure the European perspective of its development, Stanishev said.
On the subject of Kosovo, the two prime ministers agreed that UN Kosovo envoy Martti Ahtisaari found himself on a mission impossible when he was charged with drafting a plan for the future status of the breakaway province.
Ahtisaari was given a mission impossible to find an acceptable solution because the two parties, Serbs and Kosovo Albanians, have irreconcilable views, Stanishev said. In that regard Ahtisaari's proposal is the only good solution, a good foundation, he added.
Croatia supports Ahtisaari's plan. We know that, just like in any situation, there are no ideal plans in international politics. Ahtisaari found himself on a mission impossible and we think that at the moment his plan is possibly the best he could offer, Sanader said, adding that he was closing following developments in the UN Security Council.
Although bilateral relations between Croatia and Bulgaria are excellent and friendly, Sanader expressed dissatisfaction with Croatia's share in trade and called on Croatian companies to be more active in Bulgaria.
Trade between the two countries has increased considerably, from EUR 9 million in 2000 to EUR 240 million in 2006, which Stanishev said was not the maximum but a good basis to further intensify economic cooperation.
The two prime ministers believe that Croatian and Bulgarian air carriers should introduce direct flights between Zagreb and Sofia to boost economic ties and that closer cooperation should be encouraged between the Croatian Adriatic port of Rijeka and the Bulgarian Black Sea port of Burgas.