Greece as an EU member state should behave in a European manner towards Macedonia as a candidate-country, said the President of the Republic of Macedonia Dr. Gjorge Ivanov at the joint press conference held by the new, the current and the future chairman of the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) in frames of the Summit of Heads of States and Governments taking part in Sveti Stefan, Montenegro.

“We always emphasize the problem between Slovenia and Croatia and the way they have reached a solution. We call upon that experience and extend a request for every European Union member to act in a European manner towards the candidate countries. That’s what we ask from Greece as a member state – to act towards Macedonia in the spirit of the European values,” said President Ivanov.

Macedonia which next year will take over the SEECP presidency will open the issues of interest to all of the countries, primarily the natural disasters and how to deal with them, President Ivanov stressed.

“Earthquakes and floods do not recognize state borders. They represent serious threat and as countries positioned on an unstable area, we need to build joint mechanisms against natural disasters, to show solidarity among ourselves, to help each other, so that our citizens benefit from that cooperation which will feature new infrastructure and connections, as well as general awareness that the region is moving forward,” said President Ivanov during the joint press conference together with the President of Montenegro, Fillip Vujanovic and the President of Serbia, Boris Tadic.

The Cooperation Process, President Ivanov added, unites us in our common goals to transform the region through peace, openness, building of good neighborly relations, leaving the past behind and creating shared future where we will all leave in an open space, enable our people to develop open minds, people that will compete through actions that bring good for all.

President Ivanov at the sidelines of the Summit had bilateral meetings with the President of Serbia, Boris Tadic and the Foreign Minister of Turkey, Ahmet Davutoglu.