The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, received today Mr. Nikos Kotzias, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Hellenic Republic, who is paying a working visit to the Republic of Macedonia.

At the meeting, they exchanged views on the overall bilateral relations between the Republic of Macedonia and the Hellenic Republic. In this context, President Ivanov welcomed the harmonization of the confidence measures between the two countries, noting that it is an important step to further enhance bilateral relations and could contribute to creating a positive atmosphere for overcoming the difference over the name.

President Ivanov said that despite the open bilateral issue, the cooperation between the two societies has never been at a better level and urged that the politicians should follow this new reality that exists between the societies, the citizens and the business communities of the two countries.

"The Republic of Macedonia remains committed to building good neighborly relations and comprehensive cooperation and advocates for open dialogue in finding a solution to overcome the difference to the outstanding issue", President Ivanov said.

President Ivanov stressed the readiness of the Macedonian side for further strengthening of cooperation with the Hellenic Republic in all spheres of mutual interest. In this context, he reaffirmed the readiness for a meeting with his Greek counterpart, President Pavlopoulos.

At the meeting they exchanged views on the overall developments in the region in the context of its European and Euro-Atlantic perspective.
President Ivanov stressed that the integration of the western Balkan countries into the EU is essential for regional stability and development, and said that the EU needs to find solutions to maintain the credibility of the enlargement as its most successful policy.

Both interlocutors agreed on the necessity of cooperation and trust between the Macedonian and Greek intelligence and police services to the threats facing the region, as well as the threats to the national security of both countries.