The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, today met with Vladimir Genedievich Titov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.

President Ivanov and Deputy Minister Titov at the meeting exchanged views on the current bilateral relations and concluded that the Republic of Macedonia and the Russian Federation foster close and friendly relations, continuous high level political dialogue, which contributes to the further development of the political, economic and cultural ties.

President Ivanov expressed satisfaction with the activities aimed at linking the Republic of Macedonia to the strategic project “South Stream”, adding that it would open new prospects for economic growth of the Republic of Macedonia. Both interlocutors considered specifically the possibilities for enhanced economic cooperation, for further increase of the trade exchange, guided by the positive trends in the export of Macedonian products in Russia, and the possibilities for increase of Russian direct investment in Macedonia.

President Ivanov and Deputy Minister Titov at the meeting discussed the latest developments in the Southeast Europe region, the European financial crisis as well as the global security.

President Ivanov at the meeting extended his gratitude for the continuous and principled respect and usage of Macedonia’s constitutional name, identity and cultural tradition of the Macedonian people by the Russian Federation. President Ivanov briefly informed Deputy Minister Titov on the current state of play related to the talks on the name issue imposed by Greece to the Republic of Macedonia.