The President of the Republic of Macedonia Dr. Gjorge Ivanov received today French Europe Minister Pierre Lellouche. There was a discussion at the meeting concerning the cooperation and friendly relations between the two countries which are characterized by regular dynamics. President Ivanov underlined that Macedonia attaches highest possible importance to development of relations and cooperation with France and assessed that the highest level political contacts are crucial and provide a strong positive impulse.
The talks were focused on the Euro-Atlantic priorities of the Republic of Macedonia and the strong determination for full-fledged membership in the European Union and NATO.
President Ivanov stressed that the Republic of Macedonia has already achieved significant results in the process of EU integration which resulted in visa liberalization for Macedonian citizens and European Commission recommendation for opening of the accession negotiations. The country remains fully focused on the reform processes, and, still, a key priority for the Republic of Macedonia is to receive a date for launching of the accession negotiations with the European Union as soon as possible. To this end is also the maximization of the efforts in finding mutually acceptable solution to the name dispute imposed by the Hellenic Republic, process led under UN auspices.
During the meeting, both interlocutors agreed that despite the good cooperation between the two countries, however, there is a possibility to increase the cooperation in the sphere of economy, because, if all countries move forward, we can count on sustainable, permanent stability and security.