Along with the decision on recognition, the Government also adopted a statement on Croatia-Montenegro relations in which it expressed its readiness to develop good neighbourly relations and cooperation with Montenegro "on the principles of equality and reciprocity", aspiring to Euro-Atlantic associations and permanent strengthening of cooperation between the two countries in the interest of peace, stability and development.
The Government expressed conviction Podgorica would determine historical facts, causes and the role of Montenegro in the 1991-1995 war against Croatia and that it would develop good-neighbourly relations with Croatia based on mutual respect.
Prime Minister Ivo Sanader said at the session that the Government would ask Montenegro to care for the Croatian national minority, adding that he expected that some issues, notably the issue of missing persons, would be resolved.
The Croatian Government also adopted a statement on relations with Serbia, stressing that it took note of the fact that Serbia was a successor to the state union of Serbia and Montenegro in accordance with the Constitutional Charter of the State Union.
The statement also read that the Croatian Government expected the process of dissolution of the state union of Serbia and Montenegro and the regulation of relations to be of a constructive nature, taking into account succession to the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.
Sanader said he was satisfied with the fact that Croatia's negotiations with the European Union for the science and research chapter would be opened later today.