The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, met today with Mr. Harlem Désir, Minister of State for European Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the French Republic.

At the meeting, they exchanged views on the overall relations between the Republic of Macedonia and the French Republic on bilateral and multilateral level concluded that there is a need to intensify the political dialogue at all levels and to deepen the economic relations.

In terms of the European and Euro-Atlantic perspective, President Ivanov said that the Republic of Macedonia expects open support for unblocking of the EU integration process, which would result in opening of accession negotiations with the European Union.

"Blockades have discouraging effect, I repeatedly warn of the growing frustration present in the Macedonian society. Therefore, we appeal to the European Union that bilateral issues should not be an obstacle to the mutual support and solidarity. Our demands are that these two processes run in parallel or the name issue to be resolved as the last 35 chapter of the negotiations", President Ivanov said.

The Minister of State Désir said that his visit to the Republic of Macedonia aims to convey the strong commitment of France to help and support the Republic of Macedonia and the entire region into the Euro-Atlantic integration. "It is necessary the Republic of Macedonia to work hard to meet the recommendations of the European Commission, and I am here to encourage you", the Secretary of State Désir said.

Views on the current situation with the migrants were exchanged at the meeting. In that regard, President Ivanov stressed that the Republic of Macedonia needs help and support in dealing with this crisis, and expressed hope for an appropriate response from the EU in the near future.

The interlocutors stressed the need for further cooperation between the security services and exchange of information in the fight against violent extremism and radicalism.