The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, is paying a two-day official visit to the Czech Republic, upon an invitation of the Czech President, Vaclav Klaus.

President Ivanov had a meeting with President Klaus and discussed the relations between the two countries, assessing them as good, without any open issue, but with a potential for further deepening, particularly in the sphere of economy. It is not enough only to nurture friendship at the level of presidents and governments, but friendship should be boosted in many spheres, especially in the economic sphere, President Klaus said after the meeting. President Ivanov said that an Agreement for cooperation in the sphere of education and science was signed, which will be useful for young generation of both countries, expected to further enhance mutual friendship.


The Czech Republic supports the integration of Macedonia in the European Union. We are sorry that the European integration has been hindered by other party, which is not good. We consider that it is unworthy such important issues to be blocked due to the name dispute by Greece. The name of the state, as it is and as the state has defined it, should be respected, said the President of the Czech Republic, Vaclav Klaus adding that the European Union, with its role today, should not just sit and observe silently while Greece blocks Macedonia’s EU integration. President Klaus underlined that it is EU obligation to try to find certain solution which would be wise and acceptable.



President Ivanov agreed with President Klaus that accelerated settlement of the two-decade long dispute that Greece has with our name is necessary, and considers that EU could apply the model for resolving Croatian – Slovenian bilateral dispute and not to have double standards for different countries. In context to the name dispute and UN led process, President Ivanov, before tomorrow’s meeting of the UN Mediator Matthew Nimetz with the Greek and Macedonian representatives, expressed expectation that it should be constructive. Macedonia in the UN-led process has always been constructive and has approached all proposals and suggestions in such a manner, and particularly appriciates Mediator’s opinion. The Macedonian representative will present tomorrow the official positions. We really expect that this two-decade long dispute will be resolved because it is the reason why we are blocked for NATO and EU membership, President Ivanov said.