The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, met today with the US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, Mr. Philip Reeker.

The meeting confirmed the partnership relations between the Republic of Macedonia and the United States, as well as the readiness to further intensify the cooperation in all areas of mutual interest.

President Ivanov stressed that the main priority of the Republic of Macedonia is the launching of negotiations for EU membership and invitation for membership in NATO. In this context, views and information were exchanged on the latest developments in the talks to resolve the imposed name dispute and the expectations of the upcoming meeting of the Council of the European Union.

In order to meet the strategic goals of the Republic of Macedonia - full fledged membership in NATO and the EU, it was noted that the two countries will continue to cooperate closely. The Deputy Assistant Secretary of State confirmed the official position that the United States strongly supports the Euro-Atlantic integration of the Republic of Macedonia.

The Deputy Assistant Secretary of State also welcomed the efforts and contributions of President Ivanov in promoting inter-ethnic relations in the Republic of Macedonia by supporting initiatives and projects such as "Sport as Factor for Tolerance, Unity and Respect" and Sportsmanship" and appraised the success of the School for Young Leaders, which is under the patronage of President Ivanov and is held four year in a row. Common was the conclusion that the right way the country and the region to keep up and adapt to the new trends in all areas is exactly by investing in young people and in encouraging their contribution to science, entrepreneurship and innovation.

Both interlocutors exchanged views on the situation in the region and concluded that Croatia's entry into the European Union and the reached agreement between Belgrade and Pristina, are the two most important events in recent period, which will positively affect the regional stability and European integration processes of the Balkan countries.