"It is my great honour and pleasure to be here to thank you for naming this beautiful square after Croatia," Josipovic said. He said the two countries had strong ties, as evidenced by the fact that over 500,000 Poles had visited Croatia as tourists and by many friendships and marriages forged between the two peoples.

Josipovic said that Poland, as current president of the European Union, had done a lot for Croatia on its path to EU membership. He said that the recent visit by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk to Zagreb and his talks with Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor were an important milestone on Croatia's path towards the EU.

"Croatia's forthcoming membership of the European Union will bring us new opportunities. I am certain that Croatia and Poland will cooperate even better economically, culturally and politically, and perhaps there is a symbolism in plans to sign our accession treaty here in Warsaw. I think it would be very good," Josipovic said.

By opening Croatian Square, Josipovic began his three-day visit to Poland. In the evening, he was scheduled to attend a concert at the Royal Castle as part of the Autumn Music Festival. The concert will feature compositions composed by Josipovic, and the event is hosted by Culture Minister Bogdan Zdrojewski.