The President of the Republic of Macedonian Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, in New York, met with the President of the European Council, Donald Tusk.

At the meeting, President Ivanov and Tusk discussed the situation with the European integration of the Republic of Macedonia, as well as the challenges arising from the migrant and refugee crisis, especially the security aspect.

The Macedonian President emphasized that the Republic of Macedonia will continue the reform process in order to meet the European standards and criteria and will continue to contribute to the regional cooperation in maintaining the stability and prosperity of the region of Southeast Europe.
The Republic of Macedonia, President Ivanov said, requires equal and fair treatment from the European leadership and from all member states of the European Union and expects the positive example of parallel movement in the integration and overcoming of the outstanding bilateral issue to be applied.

"Despite the challenges facing the Union and the enlargement process, the Republic of Macedonia and the entire region of South East Europe need accelerated integration into the European Union, because it is the best way to fully consolidate the region, which in turn will consolidate the European Union", President Ivanov said.

In the context of the challenges associated with the migrant and refugee crisis, President Ivanov stressed that the Republic of Macedonia is committed to a universal European solution, which will include common criteria for dealing with the migrant crisis. In this context, the interlocutors concluded that an urgent coordinated and synchronized action of all countries concerned is needed.

The Macedonian President said that the Republic of Macedonia takes all measures and activities for protection of state borders and preservation of national security, taking into account the obligation of humane treatment of refugees.