Zagreb, (IKA) – The President of the Republic of Croatia, Ivo Josipović, received the Secretary of the Holy See for Relations with States, Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, with his associates on October 20, according to a statement issued by the Office of the President. During the conversation, both sides once again affirmed the agreement of the positions of the Republic of Croatia and the Holy See. The delegation of the Holy See expressed support for the upcoming completion of the accession negotiations for Croatian membership in the European Union, and emphasized its agreement regarding the need to promote the integrity of the entire region in the EU as a guarantee of lasting stability and prosperity for all the countries of Southeast Europe. Particular emphasis was placed on their common interests in preserving the ethnic and cultural presence of Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina through the assurance of their political, constitutional and factual equality with the other two constituent peoples. As part of efforts for the promotion of those Christian values that are basically the traditions of European political and social culture, the meeting participants agreed upon the need to promote coexistence, particularly in those areas where refugees are returning to the Republic of Croatia, according to the statement.