European integration of the Republic of Macedonia and of the region, as well as the assistance expected from the Republic of Croatia following its EU accession in speeding up the process, were the focus of talks at today's meeting in Skopje, between the President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, and the President of the Republic of Croatia, Dr. Ivo Josipovic.

Both presidents stressed that the accession of Macedonia and of the region in the EU is a strategic interest, there are no open issues between Macedonian and Croatian state, and that economically and politically, it is particularly important to work on the existing joint projects and opening of new ones.

- Macedonia and Croatia are friendly countries, without open issues, with mutual respect, as testified by this visit. We hope that Croatia will still have a constructive role in the efforts for integration of the region into the EU, President Ivanov said at the press-conference after the tête-à-tête meeting with President Josipovic.

The Macedonian President said that he hopes that the initiative with the Brdo Process will continue and that the region will become part of EU with joint efforts and with the aid of Croatia and Slovenia.
As he said, they discussed with Josipovic the possibilities to deepen trade exchaneg, economic cooperation and potentials of both countries.

President Josipovic noted that after Croatia joined the EU, he is paying visits in the region to reiterate the strategic interest not only of Croatia, but also of Europe - Europe to be whole and all those countries which historically, economically and culturally belong to Europe, to be officially part of it, too.

- We see with great support and sympathy Macedonia's efforts to meet all prerequisites and conditions for membership in NATO and the EU. Croatia, political and in every other respect, supports the effort, Croatian President said.
Besides political support for a common future, he said, bilateral, economic, cultural, scientific cooperation is important.

- I am glad to say that our governments work together and there are more and more ideas and projects that bring our two countries closer. Today, when the European crisis is a burden in Europe and in the region, launching new projects and opening new jobs is essential for all of us, not only from an economic standpoint, but also from political, Josipovic said.

He talked with his host about the benefits of the region and the whole of Europe from the implementation of the strategic European projects, such as the so-called Adriatic-Ionian Initiative and the possible highway, saying that he has great expectations of that. - I hope our governments, along with the other, will support this project, will present it to the EU and accede to its implementation, Josipovic said.

Asked what would be the position of Croatia at the EU Council meeting in December regarding Macedonia, Croatia's President said he would support any initiative agreed between Macedonia and Greece, and that the friendly relations Croatia nourishes with Macedonia and Greece can make a favorable climate for an agreement.

- Consensus is always necessary if we consider the way NATO and the EU function. Having this in mind, we encourage consensus and will support any solution in favor of Macedonia. We have excellent relations with Greece, and we expect to have positive relations in future, too. Croatia, having friendly relations with Greece and Macedonia, can probably make a favorable climate for reaching an agreement between these two countries, Josipovic said.

The visit to the Republic of Macedonia is part of a mini tour of President Josipovic in the region. Before coming to Macedonia, he visited Montenegro, and is to travel from Skopje to Kosovo.