The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, within his official visit to the Republic of Turkey, met today in Ankara with the President of the Republic of Turkey, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The unblocking of the integration processes is crucial for the long-term stability, security and progress of the entire region. In the next period, we expect constructive support, assistance and open lobbying for membership of the Republic of Macedonia in the Alliance by our friends - NATO member states. The invitation for membership will be an additional impetus for national reform processes and will be a positive example in the region, said the President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, after the meeting with the President of the Republic of Turkey, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The Macedonian President expressed gratitude for the principled position of the Republic of Turkey in resolving the bilateral dispute that the Republic of Greece has with the Republic of Macedonia on its constitutional name.

"In the 21st century, it is unacceptable the sovereign right of self-determination of a state, guaranteed by the Charter of the United Nations, to be contested by any other state. The difference over the name should be resolved within the framework of the UN and within the framework defined by the United Nations Charter, the UN Security Council Resolutions, the Interim Accord and the International Court of Justice judgment of 2011. Tackling questions, such as identity, language and the Constitution of the Republic of Macedonia does not contribute, but rather makes the resolution even more difficult. I am glad that during this visit President Erdogan expressed his full understanding of our views on this issue and support for the Macedonian side", President Ivanov said, who is paying an official visit to Turkey.

President Ivanov also thanked for the long-standing principled and unreserved support, especially for the way Turkey supports Macedonia on its path to full-fledged NATO membership.

Turkish President Erdogan reiterated Turkey's support for Macedonia's integration in NATO, and reaffirmed the principled position regarding the use of the constitutional name of the Republic of Macedonia.

"We were the first to recognize the constitutional name of the Republic of Macedonia. We share the same opinion on this as the very first moment. There is no change in our position. Turkey, in diplomacy, never acts ambiguously. Once we make a decision, we are ready to die for it, we never go back", Turkish President Erdogan said, noting that despite the recognition of the constitutional name of Macedonia and the name of the nation, Turkey was the first country to send an ambassador to Macedonia.

At the meeting, the need to intensify the cooperation in the fight against terrorism was noted.