The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, today, in his Cabinet, received the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Hungary Mr. Janos Martonyi, who is paying an official visit to the country.

Wishing a warm welcome to Minister Martonyi, the President stressed that the frequent meetings at high level are a confirmation of the excellent relations between both countries based on friendship, understanding and cooperation.

President Ivanov expressed gratitude for the consistent and principled support of Hungary for the EU and NATO integration processes of the Republic of Macedonia, clearly expressed in the letter of the Hungarian Prime Minister Orban to the European leaders, urging for integration and settling bilateral differences in parallel.

Hungarian Foreign Minister congratulated for the positive changes and the success in the reform process in the Republic of Macedonia in recent years, emphasizing the importance of continuing the integration of Western Balkan countries. Minister Martonyi said that Hungary fully supports the launch of accession negotiations of the Republic of Macedonia with the European Union and integration into NATO, the Republic of Macedonia can count on in future. Also, he expressed hope that the open question regarding the name will be overcome through constructive political dialogue of both sides.

Both interlocutors positively assessed the high-level pre-accession dialogue between Macedonia and the European Commission, which is a transitional tool and an evaluation of the implemented reforms and progress achieved by the country in many spheres.

It was mutually concluded at the meeting that in the period to come, the bilateral cooperation should be boosted, with focus on economy, increased trade exchange and attracting and encouraging Hungarian investors.