The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, today had a meeting with the President of Republika Srpska, Milorad Dodik.

President Ivanov expressed satisfaction with the development of the friendly relations and overall cooperation between the Republic of Macedonia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, including Republika Srpska. Both interlocutors agreed that emphasis in the further development of cooperation should be put on economic cooperation and trade exchange.

President Ivanov used the meeting with President Dodik to exchange views on the current developments in the Southeast Europe region. President Ivanov stressed that despite the significant progress achieved in recent years, the region needs a clear perspective for advancement in the ongoing integration processes. According to President Ivanov, the countries from the region should continue on the path of reducing barriers for mutual trade, further political approximation and cooperation, thus the Euro-Atlantic integrations offer the best institutional form.

President Dodik informed President Ivanov on the current political and economic situation in the Republika Srpska and in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Particular emphasis was put on the key challenges Bosnia and Herzegovina is facing now. President Ivanov was informed of the positions of Republika Srpska on these issues. President Ivanov at the meeting welcomed the Agreement on establishing the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina.