The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, received today the MP Bertrand Sorre, Chairman of the France-Macedonia Friendship Group in the National Assembly of the French Republic and MP Gregory Galbadon, Vice President of the France-Macedonia Friendship Group.

The meeting with the French MPs discussed the issue of enhancing the bilateral relations between the Republic of Macedonia and the French Republic through increased political and defense cooperation, further French support of the Macedonian Euro-integration processes, as well as the developments within the European Union.

President Ivanov stressed that the Republic of Macedonia is firmly committed to further strengthening of the friendly and partnership relations with the French Republic and stressed the need to promote the economic cooperation by increasing investment and trade exchange.

The Macedonian President expressed gratitude for the ongoing French support regarding the Macedonian European perspective and the hope that it will continue, especially for determining the date for the start of accession negotiations with the EU, following the positive recommendation from the European Commission for the Republic of Macedonia.

In this context, President Ivanov stressed that in parallel with the internal reforms and the deepening of the integration between the member states within the European Union itself, it is necessary for the Union to pursue the enlargement policy for the candidate countries of the Balkan region, because only in that way we will strengthen the peace, stability and prosperity in this part of Europe.

At the meeting, the Macedonian President welcomed the intensification of the inter-parliamentary cooperation between the Republic of Macedonia and the French Republic and expressed readiness to intensify the political dialogue at the highest level.