The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov today hosted the President of Montenegro, H.E. Mr. Filip Vujanovic, who is paying a two-day official visit to the Republic of Macedonia.

There are no open issues between Macedonia and Montenegro, they share a common past and a common future, concluded the Presidents of both countries after today’s meeting in Skopje. Both countries have a strategic goal to become members of the European Union and NATO.

”Even the longest road starts with the first step. Macedonia is already on the road that leads to the EU, we are making progress, which is positive. We can exchange experiences because we have seen the experiences of Slovenia and Croatia”, President Ivanov said, adding that Macedonia and Montenegro will help each other because it is in the interest of entire region.

President Ivanov said that Macedonia is making the first step and Montenegro is doing the same and it is expected membership negotiations to begin in June.

”It is essential to start, and afterwards, with every step we move closer to the goal. We have the experiences from other countries and it will be very useful for us to sooner complete the process. Due date can never be given in the present context we live in, Macedonian President said.

Montenegro, as the Montenegrin President Vujanovic emphasized, expects in June to be given the opportunity to receive a date for membership talks with the EU and that the country works on that issue seriously. With regard to NATO membership, he stressed that Montenegro has met all NATO membership requirements and that positive signals for both countries should be expected at the Summit in Chicago.

Another discussion topic at the meeting was the economic cooperation between Macedonia and Montenegro. President Ivanov, citing statistics from last year, said that Macedonia in 2011 had exports to Montenegro of USD 34 million and imports of USD 2 million. It is expected the surplus on Macedonian side in the near future to be balanced.

Presidents Ivanov and Vujanovic also talked about tourist exchange, which is hampered due to absence of proper infrastructure and lack of regular air line between Macedonia and Montenegro. The presidents announced that in the near future intensive work will be done on improving these conditions. The importance of the Adriatic-Ionian highway was underlined, which will open new markets and will provide greater communication between people and exchange of goods.

Montenegrin President Vujanovic during the day will also meet with the Parliament President, Veljanoski, and Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski.