The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, met today with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Romania, H.E. Mr. Titus Corlatean.

The two interlocutors agreed that the relations between the two countries are characterized by a high level of friendship, constructive and open political dialogue.

In this context, the Macedonian side expressed interest in a return official visit of the Romanian President, H.E. Mr. Traian Basescu, to the Republic of Macedonia.

During the meeting, they exchanged views and information on the opportunities for further deepening of bilateral cooperation between the two countries in all areas of mutual interest, with a special emphasis on the economic cooperation.

"Given the potentials of both countries, the closeness and traditional friendship, I think that, with mutual engagement, the economic cooperation and trade exchange may significantly improve in the future", President Ivanov said.

The Euro-Atlantic integration of the Republic of Macedonia was also discussed at the meeting. President Ivanov, following the absence of a decision by the Council of the European Union and following the four positive recommendations for setting a date to start accession negotiations, stressed that in circumstances when we have an integration blockage for ages, the status quo does not bring anything good, on the contrary, it creates frustration among the citizens and the society, and a possibility of politicization of the European integration.

"Despite all the blockades, the country will proceed with the reforms for the sake of its citizens. We need to work hard to meet the standards and criteria, to create and implement the EU agenda. When we would be given a date, we would be ready", President Ivanov said.

Minister Corlatean said that Romania fully supports the Republic of Macedonia in terms of its Euro-Atlantic integration and is willing to expand and deepen the overall cooperation with the Republic of Macedonia.

"That is the purpose of my visit, to reaffirm the support and to talk about the possibilities for enhanced cooperation", Minister Corlatean said at the meeting with President Ivanov.