The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, today met with Hans van Baalen, President of the Association of Liberal Parties worldwide and MEP.

President Ivanov noted at the meeting that in this crucial period before the European Council meeting in June and the NATO Summit in Chicago, the support of the EU and NATO member states, friends of Macedonia, is of utmost importance. The efforts of the Macedonian diplomacy in the past were aimed at promoting and valorization of the new reality after the ICJ ruling, in order to finally unblock Macedonia’s European integration processes.

The Republic of Macedonia, the President said, has long deserved an invitation to join NATO and a date for launching EU negotiations. The fact that the country is a candidate since 2005 with three consecutive recommendations from the European Commission for opening of negotiations, is the best indicator of successfully implemented reforms, the President said and added that the recent launch of the high-level accession dialogue is a bridge to, but not a substitute for the expected date for starting negotiations.

Both interlocutors agreed that the positive examples of parallel movement in the integration and overcoming the bilateral dispute, as was the case between Croatia and Slovenia, confirmed the functionality of that formula.

The Dutch Liberal Van Baalen expressed support for the strategic priorities of the Republic of Macedonia - EU and NATO membership, emphasizing also his strong commitment to the enlargement policy.

Common conclusion of the meeting was that the Republic of Macedonia and the Kingdom of Netherlands develop good bilateral relations and cooperation, especially in the sphere of tourism.