The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, today in his Cabinet received the Supreme Allied Commander for NATO operations, from Mons, Admiral James Stavridis, who is paying a two day official visit to Macedonia.

The meeting addressed Macedonia’s Euro-Atlantic integration, participation of Macedonian troops in international peacekeeping missions, as well as future steps in strengthening partnership and cooperation between the Republic of Macedonia and NATO member states.

President Ivanov stressed that the Republic of Macedonia in the pas period has demonstrated and proved that is a responsible member of the international community, and a country that responsibly approaches duties and tasks, as befits a real ally and de facto member of NATO.

President Ivanov expressed hope that at the NATO Summit in Chicago, the Allies will consider the new situation following the verdict of the International Court of Justice in The Hague and re-consider the conclusion from Bucharest.

Admiral Stavridis expressed appreciation for the contribution of Macedonian soldiers in the ISAF mission in Afghanistan and stressed that the Republic of Macedonia has achieved significant success and progress in achieving NATO standards, in particular modernization of defence sector. He also said that building strategic partnership will continue in future.

The collocutors agreed that granting the deserved membership of the Republic if Macedonia in NATO is particularly important for stability and prosperity of the country and the region.