"This year we made a major step in getting closer to the European Union. On 3 October, Croatia started talks on EU membership and they are proceeding well," Sanader said, adding that his government wanted to continue the talks at the current speed "but not to the detriment of quality."
Speaking of the sale of real estate and farmland, the prime minister said that Croatia would know how to protect its national interests, but that it would have to accept everything that had been accepted by the 25 EU member states.
The reception was also attended by representatives of political parties, trade unions and ambassadors accredited in Croatia.
"I thank everyone for their support in times of trial, when the accession talks were delayed and we knew we were right," the prime minister said, adding that Croatia had proved the credibility of its policy.
Addressing the foreign ambassadors, Sanader said that Croatia wanted to develop good and friendly relations with all countries.
"I want to thank all the EU member states for their support, which I expect to continue in the future, as well as all political parties in Croatia, because everything we do is not for Croatia to formally become a member of the EU but to ensure a better life for our citizens," the prime minister said.
One of the goals of the HDZ and other similar parties that support it is to be more active in Southeastern Europe in order to ensure permanent political stabilisation, peace and normalisation of relations among all the nations in the region, Sanader said, adding that with its accession to the EU Croatia's role in this part of Europe would become even more important and responsible.
The HDZ donated some of the funds intended for the reception to two families with ill children, notably 10,000 kuna (approximately 1,350 euros) for one such family in Koprivnica County and as much money for one in Vukovar County.