Integration processes should not be hampered by bilateral issues, such processes should be run in parallel, and as before, the Republic of Macedonia can rely on Austrian support for unblocking the status quo in the EU integration.

This was confirmed today by the Austrian President, Heinz Fischer, at the meeting with the President of the Republic of Macedonia Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, who is paying a visit to Vienna.

President Ivanov expressed his gratitude for the open and principled support of the Republic of Austria, saying that it would be in the interest of all if the process is unblocked – the Republic of Macedonia will continue its integration path, Greece will have a European neighbor in terms of standards and criteria, and the continuation of the process will be good news and incentive for other countries in the region.

Austrian President Fisher noted that the enlargement will not be complete without the Western Balkans, the continuation of the enlargement process will improve the situation in the Balkan countries, and this will change the situation in the entire region.

The meeting also discussed the latest developments in the region of Southeast Europe.

President Ivanov noted that the Republic of Macedonia is actively involved and is strongly committed to further deepening of regional cooperation.

The Republic of Macedonia is equally open and wants to build good neighborly relations and maximize cooperation with all its neighbors. The EU integration process in the Balkans is a tool to overcome bilateral differences. Greater communication and cooperation between neighbors will only increase the likelihood of bridging the differences between the Balkan states and the parallel process of integration will result in the long desired peace, stability and prosperity in the Balkans”, President Ivanov said.

At the meeting, the bilateral relations and economic cooperation were positively assessed, and it was noted that obvious is the continued positive momentum in the political dialogue. President Ivanov extended an invitation to President Fischer to participate as a special guest at the next SEECP Summit and the Dialogue of Civilizations, next year in Ohrid.

The Macedonian President, during his visit to Vienna, in the afternoon, will meet the President of the Pan-European Union, Alain Terrenoire, as well as the MEP and President of Pan-Europa Germany, Bernd Posselt, and this evening will address the Congress “90 years of Pan-Europa”.