The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, received today H.E. Ms. Federica Mogherini, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Italian Republic.

During the meeting, they exchanged views on bilateral relations between the Republic of Macedonia and the Italian Republic, the political and economic cooperation and the situation regarding the Republic of Macedonia's integration into the European Union and NATO.

President Ivanov, wishing successful European Union presidency to the Italian Republic, extended his gratitude for the current Italian support for Macedonia's integration into the European and Euro-Atlantic structures and expressed hope that it will continue in the future. In that context, the Italian Minister was informed of the status quo of the Republic of Macedonia, which is blocked in the EU and NATO, and of the talks about the difference over the name, as well as of the proactive and constructive approach our country applies in promoting good neighborly relations.

The Macedonian President said that the Republic of Macedonia requires respect for international law and international obligations and expects support from Italy and the EU member-states which are also members of NATO, adding that it is necessary the positive examples from the region to be applied in our case too, parallel processes of negotiations and overcoming bilateral dispute.

In terms of strengthening regional cooperation, President Ivanov said that the Republic of Macedonia expected support from the Italian Republic in its efforts to join the Adriatic-Ionian Initiative.

Minister Mogherini said that the Italian Republic, as chair of the European Union, provides full support for the Euro-Atlantic integration of the Republic of Macedonia, adding that the enlargement remains high on the agenda of the Italian Presidency. She stressed the readiness of the Italian Republic to assist the integration of the countries in the European Union and NATO and expressed hope that during the six-month presidency a step forward in the integration of the Republic of Macedonia will be made.

The meeting concluded that the mutual relations between the two countries are traditionally friendly, with high level of understanding and trust, and expressed a joint commitment to constant improvement and intensification of political dialogue and further promotion and intensification of bilateral and economic cooperation.