The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, received today the Secretary General of NATO, Mr. Jens Stoltenberg.

The meeting discussed the Euro-Atlantic integration of the Republic of Macedonia, the defense and security reforms in line with NATO standards, as well as the promotion and deepening of the cooperation with the North Atlantic Alliance.

President Ivanov and Secretary General Stoltenberg assessed that the relations and cooperation between the Republic of Macedonia and the Alliance are at a high level, and emphasized the contribution that the Macedonian Army provides in the framework of international peacekeeping missions.

The Macedonian President emphasized that the Republic of Macedonia continuously shows that it is a reliable and strategic partner and NATO ally, stressing that it is necessary to get the long deserved membership in the Alliance, which will create lasting benefits for security, stability and prosperity in the whole region.

"The Republic of Macedonia, with its peacekeepers, continuously shares the values and obligations of the Alliance, hence it is necessary to share the benefits of the membership as soon as possible", President Ivanov said, adding that the Republic of Macedonia will continue to actively contribute to securing global peace and security, through participation and support in NATO-led missions.

President Ivanov urged the NATO member states to recognize in the long run the new real challenges that the region and Europe are facing and comply with the open door policy and the collective interest of the Alliance.