The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, today, on the sidelines of the 5th Peace and Sport International Forum in Monaco, met with the President of the Republic of Hungary, Pal Schmitt.
Both Presidents expressed satisfaction with the frequent meetings in the past period and with the possibility of continuing the constructive political dialogue and the overall cooperation between the two countries.

President Ivanov expressed his gratitude for the open and continuous support of the Republic of Hungary for the European integration process of the Republic of Macedonia, particularly during the Hungarian Presidency of the European Union. He conveyed to his Hungarian counterpart his expectations that the given support will continue in the coming critical period, in anticipation of the European Council meeting in December.

The Macedonian President reminded that the only obstacle on the European integration path of Macedonia is the name issue with our southern neighbor, noting that the model which would allow progress of the country through the stages of integration and parallel resolution of bilateral disputes will be the only one fair and acceptable. The Macedonian President emphasized that it will not only confirm the credibility of EU enlargement process, but it will encourage full focus of the Republic of Macedonia on the reforms and will give a positive impulse for the countries of the region.

President Schmitt noted that a clear European interest is Macedonia to continue the EU integration process, and stressed that in that regard, the Republic of Macedonia can count on consistent support from the Republic of Hungary. According to President Schmidt, bilateral issues should not be an obstacle to the integration, and Hungary will strive Macedonia to start negotiations with the EU as soon as possible.