The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, met today in Dojran with the President of the Republic of Bulgaria, Rumen Radev, who is paying a working visit to the Republic of Macedonia.

The meeting discussed the deepening of the excellent bilateral relations by strengthening the political dialogue, the integration processes of the Republic of Macedonia, and exchanged views on the current challenges in the region and the European Union.

President Ivanov voiced hope that the Republic of Bulgaria, as current chairman of the European Union, will continue to support the Macedonian integration processes, after obtaining the positive recommendation from the European Commission, especially for determining the date for the start of accession negotiations.

"The EU-Western Balkans Summit in Sofia, following the Brdo-Brijuni Process, will be an excellent opportunity to reaffirm the European perspective for full integration of the Western Balkan countries, because only that guarantees the peace, stability and prosperity of our region , which is still exposed to security and geostrategic challenges", the Macedonian President said.

The Bulgarian President expressed satisfaction with the participation of the members of the Army of the Republic of Macedonia at the military parade in Sofia.

President Ivanov and President Radev also discussed the promotion of security and military cooperation and exchanged views on the activities aimed at tackling the challenges of illegal migration, terrorism and violent extremism.

At the meeting, the two presidents reaffirmed the mutual commitment to constructively promote the overall friendly relations between the two countries and in that context expressed satisfaction with the continuing political dialogue at the highest level. President Ivanov, at the invitation of President Radev, will pay a return visit to the Republic of Bulgaria in June this year.