The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, received today Ms. Elisabetta Trenta, Minister of Defense of the Italian Republic.

At the meeting, the bilateral relations between the Republic of Macedonia and the Italian Republic were discussed, the cooperation in the area of defense and security, as well as the situation related to the integration of the Republic of Macedonia into the European Union and NATO.

President Ivanov stressed that Macedonia's integration into the Euro-Atlantic structures will contribute to the stability, prosperity and openness of the entire region, emphasizing the importance of further Italian support for our membership in the EU and NATO.

The Macedonian President underlined that the Army of the Republic of Macedonia with its dedication, professionalism and highly ranked combat readiness is a proven ally of the armies of the NATO member states and continuously contributes to the joint international peace-keeping missions of the Alliance.

President Ivanov also referred to the consequences of the migrant crisis, which, as he pointed out, is a serious challenge and a factor of great concern not only for our region, but for the whole European continent, stressing that coordinated cooperation in the field of defense and home affairs is needed.

"The cooperation between the Republic of Macedonia and the Italian Republic in the field of common security has especially strengthened during the migrant crisis, and it is necessary to intensify it for the purpose of preventive action", President Ivanov said at the meeting with the Minister of Defense of the Italian Republic.

In this context, the two interlocutors exchanged views on the situation with the migration flows in the Mediterranean, the Middle East and North Africa, their influence on the continent of Europe and the region of the Balkans, and for initiating joint participation of the ARM in the military missions.

At the meeting, it was agreed that the relations between the two countries are traditionally friendly, with a high level of understanding and confidence, and a joint determination was expressed to promote and intensify the political dialogue and further enhance the bilateral cooperation.