"We agreed with the leadership of the European People's Party, whose member is the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ), to intensify cooperation with the second strongest club of deputies in the European Parliament - the Socialists. As the the prime minister, I believe it is good for Croatia to strengthen relations with all clubs of deputies in the European Parliament," Sanader told a joint press conference, held after talks with Schulz.
PM Sanader thanked Schulz on his party's support to Croatia's joining the EU and on the announcement that the support would be more active in the coming years.
Sanader accepted Schulz's invitation to visit the Socialist Group in the European Parliament.
Sanader's visit to our club of deputies will confirm the fact that the convincing majority of the European Parliament supports Croatia's joining the EU as soon as possible, Schulz told reporters.
He said his talks with Sanader were constructive, adding that they tackled the remaining obstacles in negotiations on Croatia's EU membership and the development of the situation in the region.
On behalf of the Socialist Group, I stressed the key role Croatia that could play in the region, notably in connection with progress that it made in the protection of the rights of minorities and their integration with the society, Schulz said.
The Socialist Group leader also stressed progress in Croatia, saying that the government and the opposition in the country managed to overcome their differences and reach compromise and a joint standpoint regarding the European integration.
He said that during his talks with the president of Croatia's Social Democratic Party (SDP), Ivica Racan, held on Thursday, he received confirmation about unified standpoint regarding the process of Croatia's joining the EU.
The president of the Socialist Group in the European Parliament will also be received by Croatian President Stjepan mesic.