The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov today (March 31) received Dr. Peter Balázs, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Hungary.

The meeting was an opportunity to discuss the Euro-Atlantic perspectives of the Republic of Macedonia, as well as the integration process, which is a top priority for our country. President Ivanov stressed the great benefits that the countries of Central and Eastern Europe gained after the enlargement of the European Union as an enduring example for the Republic of Macedonia in implementing the reforms necessary for successful completion of the integration process. President Ivanov reiterated his position that the rapid expansion of NATO and the European Union is the best recipe for economic development, stability and further development of democracy and respect for diversity in the South-East Europe region.

In implementing these integration processes, President Ivanov stressed that it is very important that we are guided by proven and verified principles, set forth in Copenhagen.

President Ivanov took the opportunity to inform the Hungarian high official guest on the course of the talks in the dispute that Greece has imposed concerning the constitutional name of the Republic of Macedonia, as well as on the Republic of Macedonia’s arguments and positions.

Minister Peter Balázs said that the Republic of Hungary, as a neighbor in the region of South-East Europe, fully understands the needs of the Republic of Macedonia and of the overall region for rapid integration. Minister Balázs expressed his assurance that the integration processes of South-East Europe will be among the top priorities of the Hungarian EU Presidency in 2011.