The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov received today the President of the European Council, Mr. Herman Van Rompuy.

The relations between the Republic of Macedonia and the European Union were discussed at the meeting, as well as the current developments in the UN-led process regarding the differences over the name. Views and information were exchanged on the state of play within the Union and on the situation in the Southeast Europe region.

President Ivanov stressed that the visit of the President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy is an important enlargement support signal, which is considered as one of the most successful EU policies for expanding the area of security and prosperity in Europe.

President Ivanov underlined that the Republic of Macedonia’s focus will still remain on two issues: effective implementation of the reforms and maximizing of the efforts to overcome the imposed name problem, under UN auspices. President Ivanov urged that the Republic of Macedonia should receive equal treatment as other candidate countries, highlighting the successful example of parallel processes, the integration and the resolution of the bilateral issue between Slovenia and Croatia.

As the interlocutor expressed interest, President Ivanov elaborated on the current situation in the region and stressed that the European idea is the idea that makes all societies move towards prosperity and urges all countries in the region to work closely, considering each other as partners and supporters of this historic project.

The President of the European Council Rompuy expressed appreciation for the very constructive and useful exchange of information and views on these topics, and expressed satisfaction with the serious steps in the reform processes undertaken by the Republic of Macedonia, which are essential for the European perspective of the country. Rompuy stressed that his visit has two key points: to urge that the efforts should continue in order a mutually acceptable solution to be reached to overcome the dispute with Greece and in this context, he extended congratulations and gratitude for President Ivanov’s engagement. The President of the European Council Rompuy urged continuation of the reform process and expressed gratitude for President Ivanov’s role and activities in promoting regional cooperation and good neighborly relations.