The President of the Republic of Serbia, Tomislav Nikolic, at the invitation of the Macedonian President, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, is paying an official visit to the Republic of Macedonia, which is also the first official visit of the Serbian President after being elected.

In the spirit of the traditional good-neighborly relations, at the bilateral meeting, the two presidents exchanged views on the European integration processes of the two countries with a common conclusion that the economic cooperation between Serbia and Macedonia is in the right direction, but it is necessary to intensify the trade exchange.

As regards the existing dispute between the Serbian and the Macedonian Orthodox Church, after the meeting with his Serbian counterpart, President Ivanov said that as presidents, they should help establish a dialogue and start communication between the clerics and churches.

“We have good will to assist in the dialogue, but we are not the ones who bring solutions to such matters under the responsibility given to us by the Constitution of our countries, and we know what our competences as statesmen are. Church issues require church answers”, President Ivanov said.

Serbian President Nikolic said in Skopje that he sees no unsolvable dispute between the Macedonian and the Serbian Orthodox Church.

“Many things depend on the good relations between Macedonia and Serbia as states and if we manage to convince all citizens that our friendship is sincere, then our churches will start thinking differently about this dispute”, President Nikolic said.

Asked about his view at the time when he was the leader of the opposition, if elected as president of Serbia he will change the attitude towards the constitutional name of the Republic of Macedonia, speaking in the context of the recognition of Kosovo, the Serbian President Nikolic decisively answered that Serbia is not considering a change in the attitude to the name of the Republic of Macedonia.

"I am not in opposition, today I am head of state. For many issues I have to think in a way that it will affect the destiny of the country and of the people. It was an emotional reaction when Macedonia recognized the independence of Kosovo and Metohija. But when Serbia canceled hospitality towards the Macedonian Ambassador in Belgrade, I said that it was outrageous act", President Nikolic said.

Regarding the dispute between Greece and Macedonia, the Serbian President said that both countries are friends of Serbia and as he is concerned about his country to join the EU, he is also concerned about Macedonia.

"I see the pride of Macedonia, which insists on the name, but I also see the pride of Greece, which also insists on the name, and I think that you should discuss this issue, because without conversation, nothing can be resolved", President Nikolic stressed.

In terms of the European integration, the Macedonian President said that both Macedonia and Serbia have obstacles on the way, and that all existing problems can be solved with dialogue, as the only way to come to a solution.

"It is in Macedonia's interest to be engaged in intensive talks with the southern neighbor, which is an impediment for us on the road to the EU. I hope solution will be found if there is willingness for that, President Ivanov said.

As President Nikolic said, Serbia and Macedonia have interlaced past, shared future and a common goal - membership in the EU, on which path they have problems, but they do everything to meet the necessary standards.

During the visit, the President of the Republic of Serbia will visit tomorrow the village Sretenovo in Valandovo, and together with President Ivanov in Valandovo will attend the 13th traditional "Valandovo rakijada 2012" event and will visit two Macedonian wineries.