The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, received today MEPs, members of the group "Friends of Macedonia", Mr. Martin Kastler and Mr. Tunne Kelam.

During the meeting they exchanged views and information on the Republic of Macedonia's European agenda, on the progress achieved in the reform process and the European perspective of the country in the wake of the October Report by the European Commission on the Republic of Macedonia.

The MEPs expressed satisfaction with the progress made in the Republic of Macedonia in the key reform areas and stressed the expectation that the Republic of Macedonia will receive a positive report from the European Commission this month. Furthermore, the MEPs expressed hope that the recommendations of the Commission this time will be consistently implemented and reaffirmed the support of the European Parliament for setting a date to start accession negotiations with the European Union.

President Ivanov expressed his appreciation for the continued support of the European Parliament in terms of the European Integration of the Republic of Macedonia and welcomed the engagement and commitment of the group "Friends of Macedonia" in this regard.

Joint conclusion of the meeting was that the Republic of Macedonia too long and unfairly is waiting for a date to start negotiations for EU membership, and that the country is ready to make all necessary efforts to meet the standards for European Union membership.