The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, today hosted the traditional lunch with the Ambassadors of the countries of the Visegrad Group, accredited in the Republic of Macedonia. The meeting was attended by the Ambassador of the Czech Republic, H.E. Josef Braun, the Ambassador of the Republic of Poland, H.E. Przemyslav Szyz, the Ambassador of the Slovak Republic, H.E. Robert Kirnag, the Ambassador of Hungary, H.E. Jozsef Bencze, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Macedonia, Nikola Poposki.

President Ivanov expressed satisfaction with the high level of bilateral relations and fruitful political dialogue between the Republic of Macedonia and the Visegrad group countries, based on a long tradition of friendship, mutual understanding and shared commitment to further improvement.

Macedonian President welcomed the principled support of the Visegrad Group countries on the Republic of Macedonia and the region’s efforts of Euro-Atlantic integration as a necessary prerequisite for lasting stability, peace and prosperity in Southeast Europe. The Republic of Macedonia, in this regard, has achieved undeniable progress, confirmed with the third recommendation of the European Commission to start negotiations with the EU.

The President briefed the Ambassadors on talks with the UN special envoy, Ambassador Matthew Nimetz during his last visit to the country, and the for confirmation for the rightful and constructive policy of the Republic of Macedonia regarding the name issue, obtained with the judgment of the International Court of Justice. Given all these arguments, the President expressed his expectation that during the Danish Presidency and the upcoming NATO Summit, the situation will move in a positive direction.

The Visegrad Group Ambassadors and the President also agreed that the experience of the Visegrad group countries is a positive example of cooperation and support in the integration processes. President Ivanov stressed that he strongly supports the idea for establishing a fund for the Western Balkans countries according to the model of the Visegrad Fund and will urge the regional leaders to support this initiative.