Croatian President Zoran Milanovic met with his Maltese counterpart George Vella in Rome on Tuesday, and they concluded that the bilateral relations between the two countries are excellent, Milanovic's office said in a press release.

The two also exchanged views on an upcoming meeting of presidents of EU member states as well as information on the situation in Southeast Europe and the Mediterranean.

Milanovic invited Vella to officially visit Croatia, which Vella accepted, saying he will arrive in late October.

They met ahead of the 16th meeting of presidents of Arraiolos Group member states, taking place in Rome on Wednesday at the invitation of Italian President Sergio Mattarella.

Named after the city in Portugal where it met for the first time, the Arraiolos Group brings together once a year the presidents of EU member states with parliamentary systems.