Bayley once again highlighted Croatia as a successful example for the other countries in the region, a NATO member since 2009 and of the EU since July 1 this year.
Croatia's EU and NATO membership is a good foundation for helping all those that want to join those organisations, he said, referring to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia and Montenegro.
Leko said it was in the interest of Croatia and security and peace in Europe that NATO continued with the "open door" policy, notably towards Montenegro and Macedonia. "Unfortunately, the processes in Bosnia and Herzegovina aren't encouraging when it comes to NATO integration."
Bayley said Bosnia would join NATO if it removed the practical and political obstacles which have been blocking its transatlantic and European integration for a number of years. There are practical obstacles and political issues, but I believe Bosnia will succeed. I know it's a long road, but I know it will eventually get to Croatia's point, he said.
Because of democratic shortcomings in the functioning of the complex government system and problems with the division of military assets, NATO has halted a Membership Action Plan for Bosnia.
Bayley and Leko highlighted the importance of NATO's Parliamentary Assembly and the cooperation of member countries' parliaments for NATO's policy and for winning citizen support for investing in security, notably in times of economic crisis.
"In Croatia, we are constantly highlighting the importance of the Parliamentary Assembly, because citizens' representatives must have influence over NATO's policy," said Leko.
Bayley said it was imperative that NATO explained to the public why it was necessary to invest in the alliance's security. Citizens no longer take politicians' decisions for granted, they ask questions and we have the duty to communicate with them and their representatives, he said.
He said Croatia's role was special in that because a Croatian politician, Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic, was the NATO secretary-general's assistant for public diplomacy.