Respected media representatives,
At the outset I would like to express my satisfaction that after the two meetings we have had in the last 6 months with President Zatlers in the US and in Qatar, we meet again today in Macedonia. This official visit is recognition of the development of the friendly relations and cooperation between our two countries.
We had very constructive talks with President Zatlers and exchanged opinions on how to intensify the bilateral relations. We discussed issues of common interest on multilateral level, regional issues and particularly the Republic of Macedonia’s aspirations for EU and NATO membership.
Certainly, on of the topics we discussed was the issue that hinders out Euro-Atlantic integration processes. I acknowledged President Zatlers with the current developments in the process led under UN auspices regarding the irrational problem that our southern neighbor has concerning our constitutional name. I briefed him in details that besides all the appeasements we have made so far, the Republic of Macedonia participates actively and constructively in the process for resolving this issue with a mutually acceptable solution.
With President Zatlers, we reached a joint conclusion that the key national priority of the Republic of Macedonia is to open the negotiations for EU accession as soon as possible, due to the fact that the integration processes are extremely important cohesive and motivating mechanism in our multicultural society. I also expressed my expectation the Republic of Latvia should make all its efforts to make the Union put aside this bilateral issue from the decision for opening the accession negotiations with the Republic of Macedonia.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
We agreed with President Zatlers that we should focus our attention to facilitate the economic and other forms of cooperation by promoting the legal framework – in the sphere of economy, health care system, education, science, culture, civil-legal matters. The signing of the Memorandum of understanding between our two Defence Ministries today, establishing the legal framework for future cooperation, is only a beginning of this cooperation.  
Availing myself of this opportunity I would like to extend my gratitude for the Republic of Latvia’s principled support to the Euro-Atlantic aspirations of the Republic of Macedonia and in this context I would like to underline that the Republic of Macedonia considers the Republic of Latvia a real partner and supporter on the path to full Euro-Atlantic integration. 
Once again, Mr. President, thank you for accepting the invitation and for the expressed support for Macedonia, I am convinced that the cooperation between our two countries will be intensified and that we will continue to develop our friendship by introducing new forms and contents.
Thank you for your attention.