The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, received today Mr. Ivica Dacic, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia.

At the meeting they exchanged views and information on further deepening of bilateral relations and cooperation between the two countries, regional cooperation, the EU-integration processes of both countries, as well as the situation in the region.

Both interlocutors agreed that the Republic of Macedonia and the Republic of Serbia have traditionally friendly relations, intensive political dialogue at the highest level and cooperation in numerous areas of mutual interest, which in the coming period should be deepened.

Informing Mr. Dacic on the current political situation in the Republic of Macedonia, President Ivanov stressed that dedicated, responsible and leadership approach to the dialogue of all political parties is needed in order to restore political stability.

In terms of the challenges related to the stability and security of the region, President Ivanov and Minister Dacic agreed that strengthened commitment from the international community is necessary, particularly from the EU, in finding ways to unblock the European integration and reaffirm the European perspective of the Balkans, aimed at stability, security and prosperity of the region.

Especially important is greater solidarity among the countries of the region in terms of the European integration was a common conclusion of the interlocutors.

Minister Dacic pointed out that the challenges in the Republic of Macedonia can only be solved with a political will and provision of European perspectives, and added that all must work together in order to restore peace, security and stability in the region. In that context, they exchanged views and information on the role and engagement of the OSCE to increase the level of security in the region, and on a more comprehensive approach in dealing with the challenges of radicalism and extremism, on the foreign fighter phenomenon and activation of projects for de-radicalization and counter-radicalization. Mr. Dacic reiterated the support and the efforts of the OSCE and the Serbian Presidency to the Republic of Macedonia.

Both interlocutors stressed that outstanding issues and differences in our region, should not be an obstacle to the bilateral and regional cooperation, as well as an obstacle to the integration processes.