The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, met today with Mr. Edgars Rinkevics, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia.

At the meeting, they exchanged views on the development of the bilateral relations and cooperation between the Republic of Macedonia and Latvia, as well as on the Republic of Macedonia's membership in the European Union and NATO.

President Ivanov expressed gratitude for the active Latvian support in relation to the European and Euro-Atlantic integration of the Republic of Macedonia and expressed hope that it will continue in future, with the purpose of unblocking Macedonia's Euro-Atlantic integration.

"Opening of negotiations will help us to continue with the reforms at even greater pace and overcome the weaknesses noted in the European Commission report," President Ivanov said at the meeting and stressed the need for parallel processes – negotiation process and process of overcoming the bilateral issue.

Minister Rinkevics stressed the readiness of Latvia for further support of the Euro-Atlantic integration of the Republic of Macedonia, as well as transfer of Latvian experiences related to regional cooperation, adding that Latvia remains a strong supporter of the enlargement policy of the EU.

The meeting concluded that the relations between the two countries are traditionally good and friendly, with a regular political dialogue. At the same time, readiness was expressed by both sides for a more dynamic cooperation and for a continuous improvement of the contractual framework between the two countries.