The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, held a meeting today with Mr. Hoyt Brian Yee, Deputy Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs of the United States.

During the meeting, they exchanged views on the overall development of the bilateral relations between the Republic of Macedonia and the United States, and on the developments pertaining to the European and Euro-Atlantic perspective of the Republic of Macedonia.

In terms of the strategic priorities of the Republic of Macedonia, President Ivanov stressed that the country remains fully committed to NATO and the European Union membership and expressed expectation for US support and commitment before the next NATO Summit in UK.

"There are two ways the Republic of Macedonia to take its rightful place in the Alliance, which would be beneficial for the entire region. The first is through the unconditional respect of the Interim Accord and the ICJ ruling, and the second is by finding a mutually acceptable solution to the imposed dispute in accordance with the framework in which the process is led. To unblock our strategic goals, we need support and engagement of the United States", President Ivanov said at the meeting.

Regarding the talks on the name issue, President Ivanov said that the southern neighbor continues with its irresponsible behavior by avoiding contacts and disrespecting the framework of the talks. "Disrespecting the framework in which the process is led in the United Nations, disrespecting the ICJ judgment, would not lead to a move towards achieving a mutually acceptable solution. Therefore, we expect our allies, primarily the United States, for the wider interest, to urge for reasonable behavior of Greece", President Ivanov said.

At the meeting with the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, the interest of the Republic of Macedonia to intensify the strategic partnership with the United States was reaffirmed and expectation was expressed for further strengthening of the overall bilateral cooperation.

In that context, the Macedonian President expressed satisfaction with the US interest in the investment opportunities in the Republic of Macedonia, as well as expectation for deepening of the economic cooperation and improving the political dialogue dynamics at all levels.

At the meeting, views and information on the situation in the region of Southeast Europe were exchanged.