"For us, refugees represent a national and a state issue of the utmost importance. If Croatian Serb refugees are returning to Croatia, this proves Croatia is a safe country, a country which is meeting the terms for Euro-Atlantic integration," Mesic told the press.
"Croatia and Serbia-Montenegro should support each other on the way to European integration because this is the two states' common goal," said Tadic, underlining the importance of protecting national minorities as well as the rights of Croatian refugees.
The importance of Croatian-Serbian cooperation in view of the stability and European integration of the entire region was underlined also in Mesic's talks with Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica.
According to a press release from Kostunica's office, the two officials expressed willingness to close the outstanding issues between the two countries.
Kostunica said the outstanding issues were refugee returns, property-related issues, reconstruction, the restitution of usurped property, and missing persons.
Also today, Mesic met Serbia-Montenegro President Svetozar Marovic.
During his three-day visit to the state union, which began today, the Croatian leader will also visit Pristina, Podgorica and Tivat.