On this occasion, Josipovic said that in Istria people found a way to transform the difficult history of Croats and Italians into a quality coexistence in which everyone is entitled to their rights.

"Multiculturalism, anti-fascism and the respect of minority and human rights and the basic guidelines of the Croatian state. When it comes to that Croatia made great progress in the past twenty years," Josipovic said, adding that more could be done.

Josipovic thanked Italy for the support to Croatia in its struggle for survival and on its path to the European future.

"The fact that tomorrow we will be members of the same European community is another milestone in our relations...," said Josipovic, adding that the contribution of Italians to culture, politics, science, education and sports in the Croatian society was enormous and that "Croatia without Italians would not be Croatia as we know it."

Italian President Napolitano said Croatia and Italy were faced with new prospects now that the misunderstandings from the past had been cleared. Responsibility lies with both sides, it was not unilateral and Italy has not forgotten the responsibility for fascism in the aggression war against the people in Yugoslavia.

Napolitano said that last year's meeting of the presidents of Croatia, Slovenia and Italy in Trieste was very important, adding that "the key to overcoming all misunderstandings has been found" at that meeting.

The president of the Italian Union executive committee, Maurizio Tremul, thanked the Italian and Croatian governments for their joint efforts and investments in Istria, in projects aimed at creating better conditions for coexistence of Italian ethnic minority in culture, education and sports.