The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, met today with the President of the Government of the Republic of Croatia, H.E. Mr. Zoran Milanovic, who is paying a working visit to the Republic of Macedonia.

The meeting discussed the further strengthening of bilateral relations between the two countries, the economic and regional cooperation, as well as the situation in relation to the membership of the Republic of Macedonia into the European Union and NATO.

Both interlocutors agreed that the relations between the two countries are friendly and with confidence, without open issues, with common strategic objectives for peace and stability in the region.

President Ivanov reaffirmed our readiness to promote and increase cooperation in the field of economy, trade, tourism, adding that for this purpose it is especially important to improve the infrastructure by implementing the Adriatic-Ionian highway project. President Ivanov stressed the importance of the "Brdo-Brioni" process which is a concrete confirmation of Croatia's commitment to strengthening regional cooperation and support of the Euro-Atlantic integration of the countries in the region.

With regard to the implementation of our strategic goals, President Ivanov thanked for the open support and assistance by the Republic of Croatia for the EU and NATO integration of the Republic of Macedonia, as well as for the constructive position that bilateral disputes should not be an obstacle on the Euro-Atlantic path. In this context, the Macedonian President expressed his expectation that it will continue in the future for the purpose of unblocking Macedonia's Euro-Atlantic integration.

President Ivanov welcomed the cooperation between the two governments and expressed hope for its intensification in specifying projects of common interest.

Prime Minister Milanovic stressed that strategic interest of the Republic of Croatia is full integration of the region into the Euro-Atlantic structures, adding that Croatia will continue with its constructive role and commitment in terms of Macedonia's EU and NATO accession.

President Ivanov and Prime Minister Milanovic expressed satisfaction with the current development of relations and cooperation between the Republic of Macedonia and Croatia, which are marked by strong friendship and identical positions on the development of regional and international cooperation.