The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, received today the President of the Grand National Assembly of the Republic of Turkey, Cemil Cicek.

Both interlocutors expressed satisfaction with the continued development of bilateral relations and the positive trend of the overall cooperation. Special attention was given to the parliamentary cooperation as an extremely important segment, and satisfaction was expressed with the continued positive momentum in the economic cooperation. President Ivanov noted that the relationship between the two countries in more segments reached the level of strategic partnership, and the frequent meetings at the highest level are only confirmation and signal for further promotion of friendly relations.

At the meeting they exchanged views on issues of regional interest, as well as the perspectives of the Macedonian Euro-Atlantic integration through the prism of the possibilities to unblock them as soon as possible.

President Ivanov expressed his gratitude for the ongoing constructive and principled support of the Republic of Turkey in the North Atlantic Alliance, which is especially important in anticipation of the Summit in Chicago. Macedonia has clearly met the criteria for NATO accession and its contribution to peacekeeping missions is internationally recognized and highly valued, stressed President Ivanov and added that the new legal position after ICJ’s ruling imposes the need to redefine the conclusion of Bucharest, which is a result of the unlawful conduct of Greece.

The President of the Turkish Assembly, Cicek, expressed full support for Macedonia’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations, and shared the view that the blockades of the integration processes of the Republic of Macedonia are incomprehensible and unreasonable. Turkey will continue to advocate the enlargement process to remain high on NATO’s agenda and that Macedonia can continue to count on unconditional support from Turkey, Cicek said.

Both sides expressed readiness for further cooperation at regional and multilateral level, with particular emphasize to the successful cooperation within the Alliance of Civilizations.