The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, received today the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic, Mr. Miroslav Lajcak, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Austria, Mr. Michael Spindelegger.

Central topic of the meeting was the European and Euro-Atlantic integration of the Republic of Macedonia and the possibilities to unblock integration processes as soon as possible. President Ivanov thanked for the open support of the Slovak Republic and of the Republic of Austria for Macedonia’s Euro-Atlantic integration, stressing that citizens especially appreciate their principled position that bilateral issues should not hinder the country’s integration.

Noting that the EU integration of Western Balkan countries is essential for regional stability and development, President Ivanov urged, through the foreign ministers, the member states to ask Greece to respect international commitments, the judgment and the Interim Accord, and to abandon the practice of blockades.

"We expect our neighbor to respect international obligations. We ask for an equal and fair treatment and application of positive experiences from the region related to the parallel movement in the integration process and in settling bilateral disputes”, President Ivanov said at the meeting. At the same time, he reiterated the Republic of Macedonia’s readiness in finding a mutually acceptable solution to the imposed dispute as soon as possible.

“A solution is possible, but it requires Greece to demonstrate political will and constructiveness as well as to abide the United Nations resolutions and the Interim Accord, being the framework of the talks, without constant imposing of conditions beyond the framework, something we do not want to talk about at all”, the President stressed.

With reference to the bilateral relations with Austria and the Slovak Republic, joint content with the continuous political dialogue was voiced, as well as with the readiness and interest to further strengthen and deepen cooperation, in particular in the sphere of economy.

President Ivanov conveyed greetings to the President of the Slovak Republic, Ivan Gasparovic and to the President of the Republic of Austria, Heinz Fischer, and expressed his expectation that in the coming period they would be able to pay return official visits to the Republic of Macedonia.

The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Austria and Slovakia said that their visit is a confirmation of friendship and high-level of relations. Their message is that they want the Republic of Macedonia to resume the integration process as soon as possible, emphasizing that the Republic of Macedonia can count on their support and assistance.