Peres, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, on Thursday started his two-day visit to Croatia during which he is also expected to meet PM Ivo Sanader, hold a lecture at the Academy of Arts and Sciences, and visit the southern city of Split.
"We discussed bilateral relations, which are at an enviable level, but we also discussed ways of promoting cooperation in all areas," Mesic told reporters and his guest concurred.
The talks also focused on the peace process in the Middle East.
"Mr. Peres is an optimist... but it would be best if there were optimists also in the region to which Israel belongs and if peace was achieved to help people live a better and safer life," Mesic said.
Peres said that Croatia would not be the only one to benefit from admission to the European Union, but that the EU too would benefit a lot from Croatia's admission.
Europe will get from Croatia history and experience which were not always easy, but which contributed to building the national character, Peres said.
On the other hand, Croatia will benefit economically because it will gain access to a large market, he added.
Peres is the highest Israeli official after President Moshe Katsav to visit Croatia. Katsav paid an official visit in 2003.