The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov today held talks with Mr. Jan Fischer, Vice President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

At the meeting, Mr. Fischer expressed his interest in the current political and economic developments in the Republic of Macedonia as well as on the country's efforts to join the Euro-Atlantic structures. In this respect, President Ivanov informed the interlocutor on the latest developments in the process for ironing the difference over the name with our southern neighbour, which is the only obstacle for resuming the Euro-Atlantic integration process. Namely, the President assessed that this is an issue which opens additional internal issues and challenges in the Republic of Macedonia, particularly in regard to the country’s economic development.


The interlocutors exchanged views and information on the situation in the wider region. The Vice President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development expressed his appreciation to President Ivanov on his engagement on regional level and welcomed the efforts for defining projects that would enable infrastructure connection of the entire South-East Europe region, which are top regional cooperation priorities in President Ivanov’s agenda. Mr. Fisher stressed that EBRD stands ready to support Republic of Macedonia's development in line with the country's needs. Particular attention was given to the large infrastructure and energy projects such as Corridor 8 and 10. President Ivanov expressed gratitude for the role and the engagement of the EBRD as one of the greatest supporters of Macedonia's development in many spheres. President Ivanov also briefed his interlocutor on the undertaken activities for improving the business and investment climate in Macedonia.