The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, today in Vienna met with the Former President of the Republic of Austria, Mr. Heinz Fischer.

President Ivanov and Mr. Fischer exchanged views on the current developments in Europe and the European Union, the migrant crisis and the challenges faced by the countries in Southeast Europe.

The Macedonian President expressed gratitude for the consistent support from the Republic of Austria for the strategic objectives of the Republic of Macedonia and satisfaction with the cooperation in dealing with the migrant crisis.

Fischer expressed satisfaction with the way the Republic of Macedonia successfully deals with the migrant and refugee crisis. Hence, Ivanov and Fischer agreed that enhanced security cooperation between all countries of the European continent is necessary. Moreover, the interlocutors agreed that the policy of EU enlargement must continue and that the integration of the Balkans is essential to the overall peace, security and stability in the region. Referring to the situation and the recent developments in the European Union, the two presidents agreed that the Union is stagnating and is facing a growing number of problems. However, Ivanov and Fischer believe that despite this situation, the European Union must overcome the crisis and move on.
At the meeting, they exchanged information on the current political and economic situation in the Republic of Macedonia and in the Republic of Austria.

The Macedonian President thanked Fisher for his personal commitment and efforts in promoting the political dialogue between the Republic of Macedonia and the Republic of Austria, which resulted in increased cooperation in many areas of mutual interest and expressed hope for its further intensification and deepening in the future.

President Ivanov is paying a working visit to the Republic of Austria on the occasion of the participation on the Paneuropean Union Congress, where he said that the EU enlargement fatigue has led to retrograde processes in our region.

The Former Austrian President, Heinz Fischer, is a longtime friend of the Republic of Macedonia and one of the strongest supporters of the enlargement process of the EU, and thus Austria was the initiator of the Group of Friends in the European Parliament. In Austria, the presidential elections are scheduled on December 4.