“Vision and leadership within the European Union are necessary to end the status quo state in Macedonia in terms of launching accession talks, because our case could trigger positive changes in the region. Recent intensive talks with President of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso this past weekend in Ohrid and with Hungary's President and PM - Pal Schmitt and Viktor Orban respectively - on Monday instills hope that, after all, the situation in Macedonia in terms of its EU positions will be changed,” stated Macedonian President Dr. Gjorge Ivanov before meeting Tuesday with Hungarian Parliament Speaker Laszlo Kover.

At the meeting with Kover both sides expressed satisfaction for the cooperation between the parliaments, focusing on the need for further strengthening of this especially important segment in the bilateral relations.

The Macedonian head of state thanked for the strong clear support Macedonia receives from Hungary in its efforts made to join the European Union as soon as possible, voicing hope that the two national assemblies would assist this process through their mutual cooperation.

The President of the Hungarian Parliament Kover demonstrated readiness for cooperation, saying that Macedonia could count on Hungarian support.

"At all the talks with the Hungarian authorities, it was noted that Hungary as current holder of the EU presidency will manage to raise the issue of setting a date for negotiations at all the meetings focused on enlargement. A promise was also made that the issue will be raised at the upcoming meeting of the European Council," Macedonian President said.

According to Dr. Ivanov, since Macedonia has already met all the requirements, the Copenhagen criteria and the obligations noted as remarks in European Commission reports, the country deserves a date for negotiations start.

The Macedonian delegation led by President Ivanov, today visited the Faculty of Humanities within Eötvös Loránd University. In the talks with the Dean and the Rector of this oldest Hungarian University, which marks 375 years of existence, Ivanov was informed that inclusive studies in Macedonian language and literature will be introduced as of September. In the school year 2010/2011 total of 15 Hungarian students enrolled in the Macedonian language studies, compared to previous years when only one or two have shown interest. The President in this occasion donated 300 books in Macedonian.

At the margins of the official visit to Hungary, President Ivanov held earlier today informal talks with the Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs Ahmet Davutoğlu. As usual, talks were quite friendly and substantial. Macedonia's EU integration, the current political and economic situation in both countries and the situation in the region in terms of EU integration were the focal points of Ivanov-Davutoğlu talks. Turkey's strong support for Macedonia was once again confirmed and interlocutors praised the bilateral cooperation, having all the features of a strategic partnership.

President Ivanov has wrapped up his first official visit to Hungary after meeting with representatives of the Macedonian community in Budapest, which was organized by the Macedonian Embassy.

After Budapest, Ivanov will embark in a trip to Istanbul, where he is to attend the Eurasian Economic Forum, organized by the Marmara Foundation.