The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Gjorge Ivanov, during the Summit of Heads of State of the "Brdo - Brioni Process" held in Budva, Montenegro, had separate meetings with the President of the Republic of Austria, Mr. Heinz Fischer, the President of the Republic of Serbia, Mr. Tomislav Nikolic.

The meeting with the Austrian President expressed satisfaction with the overall bilateral cooperation between the two countries, as well as with the maintenance of intensive political dialogue at the highest level.

In the context of Macedonia's integration in the European Union, President Ivanov expressed his expectation for further strong support from the Republic of Austria for immediate start of accession negotiations and expressed his gratitude for the continuous and consistent support from the Republic of Austria.

President Fischer, commending the EU's role in overcoming the political crisis, stressed that the Republic of Macedonia should step up the reform process in order to overcome the weaknesses identified by the European Commission, but also said that he strongly supports the EU integration of the Republic of Macedonia and the parallel movement in the integration and overcoming bilateral differences.

It was assessed at the meeting between President Ivanov and President Nikolic that the Republic of Macedonia and the Republic of Serbia have intensive political dialogue at the highest level.

President Ivanov and President Nikolic assessed that the Republic of Macedonia and the Republic of Serbia have traditionally friendly relations, intensive political dialogue at the highest level and cooperation in numerous areas of mutual interest, which in the coming period should be deepened.

The two presidents exchanged views and information on the current political and economic situation in both countries, as well as on the overall situation in the region, with particular emphasis on the stability and security related challenges.