The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, received today Mr. Milan Kucan, former President of the Republic of Slovenia, who is visiting the Republic of Macedonia.

At the meeting, the two interlocutors exchanged views on the overall relations between the Republic of Macedonia and the Republic of Slovenia, on the situation in both countries and the current developments in the region.

The Macedonian President expressed gratitude for the current open and unreserved support from the Republic of Slovenia in view of Macedonia's aspirations for membership in the European Union and NATO, stressing that the Republic of Macedonia always sees a sincere friend and partner in the Republic of Slovenia. The Republic of Slovenia has shown its solidarity with the Republic of Macedonia during the migration crisis.

In that direction, President Ivanov expressed expectation that the cooperation between the two countries in all spheres of mutual interest will continue in the period that follows, regarding the European and Euro-Atlantic integrations of the Republic of Macedonia, as well as within the frameworks of the regional initiatives.

Former President Kucan stressed that the European Union must have an active role and remove the obstacle that Greece puts on the path of Macedonia's Euro-integration.

"With European reforms, the Republic of Macedonia has completed its part of the work, it remains for the European Union to complete its part of the work", the former Slovenian President underlined.