"In the last six months and more there have been enough meetings and talks that prove that both countries are interested in the future of our relations, the future of good neighbourly relations and our common future in the European Union," Mimica told the press during his visit to the northwestern city of Varadzin.

"The meetings at the ministerial level, at the level of the prime ministers, and I am certain that meetings at the presidential level will follow, all these meetings and talks will contribute to the continuation of this process," he added.

When asked to comment on the invitation that had been extended to Serbian leaders to attend a celebration of Croatia's entry into the European Union, Mimica said that invitations had been sent to representatives of all EU member states and membership aspirants in the region.

"The date of EU entry is a great day for Croatia and its citizens. It is also a message and motivation for everyone in the region, a message that will have a positive reception among all our neighbours, including Serbia. This is part of our role and interest in the region and part of our role and interest in the EU," Mimica said.

Mimica is expected to take up the post of European Commissioner for Consumer Protection after Croatia joins the EU on July 1.

Consumer protection is one of the most important pillars of the EU's free market policy, Mimica said at Varazdin's main marketplace where he distributed to local farmers certificates for the sale of their products.