The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov met today with the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, Petr Necas, who is paying an official visit to the Republic of Macedonia.

It was reaffirmed at the meeting that both countries have traditionally good and friendly relations, and the intensive political dialogue was greeted, which in recent years is characterized by a number of meetings of high officials of the Republic of Macedonia and of the Czech Republic.

President Ivanov expressed his gratitude for the support that the Czech Republic gives regarding the integration of the Republic of Macedonia into the European Union and NATO, and expressed expectation that it will continue in the upcoming, extremely important period for the Republic of Macedonia. The President briefed the Czech Prime Minister with Macedonia’s continuous efforts in meeting strategic foreign policy objectives, the reform process and expressed hope that soon these efforts will result in NATO and the European Union membership.

Moreover, the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic was informed on the decision of the International Court of Justice, which is a confirmation of the correctly policy of the Republic of Macedonia. President Ivanov once again stressed that Macedonia has every right to expect and require Greece to consistently respect the decision of the Court and the Interim Agreement, and expressed hope that it will be taken into consideration at the upcoming NATO Summit in Chicago, as well as when making decisions in future on Macedonia by the European Union.

Prime Minister Necas noted that of particular importance for the Czech Republic is the integration of Western Balkans, especially Macedonia’s integration into the European Union and NATO, recalling the expressed support at the Summit in Bucharest. He emphasized the importance of full integration of Western Balkans, which would mean expanding the zone of stability and security, and stressed that the Republic of Macedonia continues to enjoy support from the Czech Republic.

During the talks, mutual satisfaction was expressed with the increased trade cooperation and improved economic relations boosted with several initiated projects between the Republic of Macedonia and some Czech companies. As a confirmation of the good relations, the naming of the “Macedonian Street” in the center of Prague was mentioned, and the opening of the Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Macedonia in Hradec Kralove.

In terms of bilateral relations, both interlocutors expressed hope that soon the problems with the Macedonian language department in Prague will be overcome.