The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, met with Australian MP Stephen Jones, President of the Australian – Macedonian Friendship Parliamentary Group.

The two interlocutors expressed their satisfaction with the upward trend of political relations between the two countries and the interest in boosting economic cooperation, at the same time underlining the role of Macedonian Diaspora in Australia as the foundation for building strong friendly relations.

In order to deepen the economic cooperation, President Ivanov emphasized the need of strengthening trade exchange and stimulating the entry of Australian investments in the Republic of Macedonia. In this sense, President Ivanov pointed out the importance of signing bilateral agreements for avoidance of double taxation and mutual protection and promotion of investments.

The President also expressed his satisfaction with the decision by the Australian Government to withdraw the 1994 discriminatory directive labeling the Macedonian community as “Slavic-Macedonian” and underlined that the official recognition of the constitutional name and facilitation of the visa regime for the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia will indeed provide an impetus and promote bilateral relations between the two countries.

Macedonian President expressed his hope to realize an official highest level visit and thus contribute to the intensification of political dialogue, along with the expectation that in future, an Embassy of Australia in the Republic of Macedonia will be opened.

Both the President and Mr. Jones expressed their satisfaction with the level of cooperation in the area of defense, President Ivanov stating that membership in the EU and NATO remains the highest priority of the Republic of Macedonia, with a focus on reaching a mutually acceptable solution to the imposed dispute and unblocking integration processes.