On the margins of the Climate Summit COP21 held today in Paris, the President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov had a meeting with the German Chancellor, Mrs. Angela Merkel.

Both parties exchanged opinions on the current migrant crisis, security challenges and the status of the European integration of the Republic of Macedonia.
Chancellor Merkel informed President Ivanov on the outcome of yesterday's EU-Turkey Summit. President Ivanov briefed Chancellor Merkel on the measures that the Republic of Macedonia has been taking in order to handle the refugee and migrant crisis, especially underlining the fact that there is still nothing from the promised European assistance to Macedonian institutions. At the same time, President Ivanov emphasized that Macedonia insists on the presence of Frontex at the southern border, also drawing attention to the lack of direct communication between Macedonian and Greek institutions at every necessary level.

President Ivanov stated that it is necessary for the Republic of Macedonia to finally open accession negotiations and pointed out that the refugee crisis clearly shows that the Western Balkans should have been fully integrated in the EU a long time ago.

It was concluded that Macedonia and Germany have the same interests as regards the migrant and refugee crisis, as well as that the two countries should continue and deepen the intensive communication and exchange of information, especially regarding the current migrant crisis.