The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, received yesterday Mr. Daniel Mitov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria.

At the meeting they exchanged views and information on the current political and economic situation in both countries, as well as on the overall situation in the region, with a particular emphasis on the challenges related to the stability, security and Euro-Atlantic processes.

Briefing Mr. Mitov on the current political situation in the Republic of Macedonia, President Ivanov stressed that it is necessary for all political factors to act responsibly, to engage in a constructive dialogue aimed at institutional resolving of all the challenges, in compliance with the Constitution and the laws of the Republic of Macedonia. In this context, the Macedonian President pointed to the consequences of the status quo with Macedonia's European integration that come to the surface in the current political and security situation in the Republic of Macedonia.

Both interlocutors concluded that clear and firm engagement of the European Union is necessary in the process of stabilization of the country and continuation of the European and Euro-Atlantic integration.

President Ivanov and Minister Mitov confirmed the mutual interest in promoting the high level political dialogue. A common conclusion is that there is an interest between the two countries to overcome the challenges and to further strengthen bilateral relations. President Ivanov reaffirmed the commitment to dialogue and continuation of the work groups for harmonization of the Treaty on Good Neighborly Relations, Friendship and Cooperation, also reaffirming the commitment of the Republic of Macedonia for the best possible relations and cooperation with all neighbors as the highest strategic goal, in addition to the Euro-Atlantic integration and regional cooperation.

"The Republic of Macedonia and the Republic of Bulgaria share the vision of a region fully integrated into the European and Euro-Atlantic structures; in this process the support of the neighbors is essential", President Ivanov said, expressing expectation that the Republic of Bulgaria will give strong support to the immediate start of accession negotiations with the Republic of Macedonia, as well as support for NATO accession.

Both agreed that there is room to intensify the cooperation between the two countries and to strengthen the mutual confidence by implementing practical projects in the sphere of education, culture, economy, European integration process, health, infrastructure connectivity, energy, transport and environment.