The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, met today with H.E. Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission.

During the meeting, they exchanged views and information on the Republic of Macedonia's European integration – the ongoing reform process, the Spring Report of the European Commission on Macedonia's progress and expectations of the upcoming EU Summit.

Stressing that the main priority of the Republic of Macedonia is the opening of negotiations for membership in the EU, President Ivanov commended and expressed satisfaction with the assessment of the European Commission, noting that it continuously delivers results. The Republic of Macedonia deserves to get a positive decision at the June Council.

"Despite the political challenges we faced, we have achieved good results in all areas assessed in the Spring Report, we are constantly committed to the reform processes in the key areas, to the promotion of good neighborly relations with all our neighbors and we participate constructively in the efforts to overcome the outstanding bilateral issues", President Ivanov said, recalling that the Council's conclusions of last December paved the path for a possible decision to start accession negotiations with the Republic of Macedonia in June this year.

In this context, the Macedonian President once again appealed for support from the EU member states for a date to start negotiations. "It will be an additional incentive for the country to further focus on meeting the European agenda, and it will restore the confidence of the citizens in the EU institutions and its credibility", President Ivanov said.

The Macedonian President said that the Republic of Macedonia highly appreciates the engagement of the EU High Representative, Ashton, and of the European Commission to continue the process of EU enlargement to the Balkan countries, indicating that the integration process is crucial to overcoming challenges and misunderstandings in the region.

The High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy, Ashton, said that it is beneficial for all the integration process to continue, that she strongly supports and encourages the reform processes in our country. Both interlocutors positively assessed the Commission's Report and agreed on the impact of the European unification and integration of the Western Balkan countries, illustrated through President Ivanov's vision of Pax Europeana.

Moreover, at the meeting views were exchanged on the latest developments in the neighborhood and in the region, as well as on the contribution of the Republic of Macedonia in the promotion of good neighborly relations and regional cooperation.