The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, today received representatives of the Royal College of Defence Studies from Great Britain.

The regional visit of the Royal College is led by Major General Sebastian Roberts. In Skopje they arrived after previous visit to Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, and hence will visit Greece.

At the meeting, views were exchanged on the European and Euro-Atlantic integration of the Republic of Macedonia, on the outcome of the Summit in Chicago, whereas the interlocutors from the United Kingdom expressed interest for the two-decade bilateral dispute with Greece, which hinders Macedonia’s integration prospects.

President Ivanov once again elaborated to the representatives from the Royal College the position of the Republic of Macedonia after the Summit in Chicago, saying that while the Alliance failed to change the conclusion regarding Macedonia given the verdict, our country continues to consistently contribute to the NATO-led missions and fully supports the policies of the Organization.

As an institution that has influence on the strengthening of the strategic thinking on future policy makers, President Ivanov briefed the delegation from the Royal College on the possibilities to unblock Macedonia’s integration, by respecting the Interim Agreement, demonstrating constructiveness and adhering to the frame of the name talks, indicating that the abuse of consensus and the concept of solidarity in NATO and the EU could cause serious disruption to the international credibility of both institutions.

Royal College of Defence Studies is a postgraduate program for International Strategic Studies, focusing on security, stability and progress. The best orators in the United Kingdom come from this college, from the academic sphere, and practitioners in the field of strategies, such as ministers, diplomats and even heads of state.

Personnel from the Army of the Republic of Macedonia has also been trained in the renowned College of Defence Studies.