The President of the Republic of Macedonia Dr. Gjorge Ivanov received today the Minister of Defence of the Republic of Turkey, Mr. Vecdi Gonul. At the meeting, President Ivanov expressed particular satisfaction with the relations between the two countries, raised at the level of strategic partnership, contributing to the stability and prosperity in the region. The relations and cooperation in the sphere of defence are not lagging behind the overall relations which are at the highest possible level. The regular meetings at the highest level between Macedonia and Turkey were evaluated as an example for the region.

President Ivanov and Minister Gonul agreed on the need for accomplishing the Euro-Atlantic integration processes of both countries, and indeed of the entire region, within a reasonable timeframe, as a measure contributing to further progress in the region. At the meeting, the interlocutors concluded that the economic relations between the two countries are advancing towards the desired level, and President Ivanov welcomed the economic initiative of Turkish companies in Macedonia. According to President Ivanov, the close cultural relations between the two countries and the contacts between the ethnic communities in both states significantly contribute to the traditional friendship and cooperation.