The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, met today with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Germany, H.E. Mr. Guido Westerwelle.

The talks focused on the challenges facing the Republic of Macedonia in the context of European and Euro-Atlantic integration, the ongoing internal political developments in the Republic of Macedonia, as well as the development of the bilateral relations between the two countries.

President Ivanov asked for support of the Federal Republic of Germany and the other European Union Member States for a date for starting negotiations with the Union. In this context, the German Minister was informed about the latest developments in the talks on the name issue, as well as about the constructive and dedicated approach of the Republic of Macedonia in the promotion of good neighborly relations with all its neighbors.

Minister Westerwelle expressed support for the country’s Euro-Atlantic integration, saying that there is no dilemma for Germany that the future of the Republic of Macedonia is in the Euro-Atlantic family, adding that the integration processes are of crucial importance for strengthening and improvement of the democratic processes in the Republic of Macedonia.

Both interlocutors exchanged views and information on the current political situation in the country. “The political dialogue is extremely important to maintain the necessary balance of the social and political conditions currently present in the country. In the future, as before, I will continuously do my best to facilitate the dialogue between the government and the opposition, in favor of the overall progress of the Macedonian society”, President Ivanov said.

Minister Westerwelle said that the European Union and the Federal Republic of Germany support President Ivanov’s initiative and his efforts and arrangements to overcome the political situation in the country, which create concern in terms of the integration process. He also expressed hope that reason will prevail and that the Republic of Macedonia will restore the normal political and parliamentary life.

President Ivanov and Minister Westerwelle welcomed the upward development of the bilateral relations, demonstrated in the continuous exchange of visits at the highest level, in the year when we mark the 20th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations with the Federal Republic of Germany.