Croatia is vitally interested in the prosperity, security and stability of the wider region, the Mediterranean and the Caucasus. Croatia's position is interesting because it lies between three important European regions and we do believe that we can contribute to the security and stability of Europe, Josipovic said in a panel on the stability and security of Southeast Europe and the Caucasus.

Good neighbourly relations are crucial for that. For security, it is more important to have good neighbours than a big wall as a border. It is important to have a smart defence and a smart policy which includes reconciliation and cooperation, said Josipovic.

Croatia is about to join the European Union and the European integration process has a transformative power for countries and society, as proved on Croatia's example. We have become a better and safer society, he said, warning that internal conflicts must not jeopardise EU enlargement.

There is no backup plan for the region, there is no plan B. Southeast Europe is part of Europe in every sense, geographically, security-wise, economically and culturally, said Josipovic.

It is in Croatia's interest that all neighbouring countries join the EU and we believe that linking all regional countries to the same security framework creates an area of stability that is a prerequisite for all reforms, he added.