The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, received today the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Latvia, Mr. Raimonds Vejonis.

The meeting expressed satisfaction with the ongoing development of the relations between the Republic of Macedonia and the Republic of Latvia on bilateral and multilateral level, particularly in the field of defense and security.

President Ivanov briefed his interlocutor on the current situation in the country, stressing that the recent session of the Security Council expressed strongest condemnation for the violation of order and security by individuals and groups which aimed at the destabilization of Macedonia, and the action taken by the police managed to prevent the intention of coordinated terrorist attacks on various locations in the country and to prevent and civilian casualties.

The Macedonian President said that in overcoming the challenges faced by the Republic of Macedonia, support from the international community is needed because the status quo in the European integration creates frustration in the political and inter-ethnic life, thus making us vulnerable and susceptible to the attempts for destabilization.

Minister Vejonis expressed deep condolences for the events in Kumanovo and conveyed Latvia's support to Macedonia in its efforts to join NATO and the EU. He also expressed the readiness of the Republic of Latvia to further strengthen the overall bilateral relations and cooperation with the Republic of Macedonia in all areas of mutual interest, especially in the field of defense and security.