The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, today hosted the traditional lunch with the Ambassadors of the Visegrad group countries, accredited in the Republic of Macedonia. The meeting was attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Macedonia, Nikola Poposki, Ambassador of the Czech Republic, H.E. Mr. Miroslav Rames, Ambassador of the Republic of Poland, H.E. Mr. Przemyslaw Czyz, Charge d’ Affairs in the Embassy of the Slovak Republic, H.E. Dr. Robert Kirnag and the Deputy Ambassador of Hungary, Mr. Attila Pinter.

President Ivanov expressed satisfaction with the excellent bilateral relations and the continuing political dialogue between the Republic of Macedonia and the Visegrad Group countries, based on the long traditional ties of friendship and mutual understanding.

At the meeting, the interlocutors agreed that the mutual bilateral cooperation is deepening in continuity, but at the same time there is a large untapped potential for more intensive cooperation in numerous areas of mutual interest, especially in the fields of economy, investment, education, culture, tourism, information technologies and agriculture.

President Ivanov expressed his gratitude for the principled, open and strong support of the Visegrad Group countries for the efforts of the Republic of Macedonia and of the entire region for European and Euro-Atlantic integration as an important prerequisite for lasting stability, peace and prosperity in Southeast Europe.

The Republic of Macedonia is fully committed to implementing reforms and promoting good neighborly relations with all its neighbors, through a number of initiatives, specific projects. The Republic of Macedonia is constructively participating in the process of finding a solution to the name issue”, President Ivanov said. In this context, the President briefed the Ambassadors with the dedicated work and active participation of the Republic of Macedonia in the regional initiatives, particularly with the goals of the Macedonian Chairmanship of the South-East European Cooperation Process and the 11th Forum of the “Dialogue among Civilizations”, in cooperation with UNESCO and the Council of Europe.

The Ambassadors welcomed and supported the regional activity of the Republic of Macedonia and expressed confidence that the Visegrad group member states, as an influential factor in the EU, will further support the European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations of the Republic of Macedonia.

At the meeting, the interlocutors exchanged opinions and views on the current political situation in the country, whereas the Macedonian President presented to the Ambassadors his views and positions, as well as his efforts aimed at resolving the political situation in the country.

The Macedonian President once again welcomed the decision of Hungary and of the Czech Republic to formalize the current practice of addressing the Republic of Macedonia with its constitutional name in the bilateral communication, assessing that it is a confirmation of the excellent relations and a kind of friendly gesture. President Ivanov extended his congratulations to the newly elected president of the Czech Republic, Mr. Milos Zeman.