Recalling 25 June 1991, when the national parliament adopted a constitutional decision and a declaration proclaiming an independent and sovereign Republic of Croatia, Seks said those political decisions "would have remained a dead letter if they had not been confirmed with the lives and sacrifices of the Croat people and the final victory in a just and defensive Homeland War".
Seks expressed gratitude to all who were killed while defending Croatia's freedom, as well as to the first Croatian president, the late Franjo Tudjman, and numerous generations of Croatians and Croat emigrant communities.
Over the past years, Croatia has achieved high standards of democracy and valuable results in many areas, Seks said.
"On the international scene, Croatia is a respected member, willing and ready to provide assistance in achieving stability and peace in the world. Thanks to its efforts and results, Croatia today is at the door of NATO and the European Union," Seks said, calling for continuing reforms in areas where problems had been identified.
"It is necessary to continue, without delay and compromise, eradicating all the negative occurrences that stand in the way of our ultimate goal - improving the living standards and the quality of life of Croatian citizens."