Friday, 25 March 2011
TURKEY REMAINS TO BE A STRONG SUPPORTER OF THE MACEDONIAN MEMBERSHIP IN EU AND NATO
The Chair of the Committee on European Issues of the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia, Mr. Petar Pop Arsov had a meeting with the Minister on European Issues and Chef Negotiator of the Republic of Turkey, Mr. Egemen Bağış .
The Turkish delegation was comprised of: H.E. Gurol Sokmensuer, Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to the Republic of Macedonia and Mr. Haluk Ilichak, Ambassador, Secretary General on EU Issues.
The Members of the Committee on European Issues: Ms. Silvana Boneva, Ms. Hristina Runcheva, Ms. Vladanka Avirovik, Mr. Mile Pachemski, Mr. Panche Dameski, Mr. Andrej Zernovski and the Deputy member, Mr. Vasko Shutarov attended the meeting.
At the beginning of the meeting Mr. Pop Arsov informed the guests on the competences of the Committee on European Issues.
He underlined that this meeting is a continuation of the intensive cooperation of the existing cooperation between the two states on parliamentary level. The Chair expressed appreciation for the selfless support for the Republic of Macedonia by the Republic of Turkey in the Process of European Integration; the acknowledgement of the independence and sovereignty of the Republic of Macedonia and insisting on using of the constitutional name of the Republic of Macedonia in all international documents.
The Republic of Macedonia remains dedicated on the European Integration, on which there is a wide consensus among all political parties and among the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia, the state also works on the accomplishment of the criteria for membership in the European Union, being focused on two points: enforcement of the reform process and finding a mutually acceptable solution for the name issue with Greece- underlined Mr. Petar Pop Arsov.
The Minister on European Issues and Chef Negotiator of the Republic of Turkey, Mr. Egemen Bağış underlined that it is a pleasure to be in the cradle of democracy, where the will of the people is represented- the parliament. The Republic of Turkey will remain on the side of the Republic of Macedonia on its path to EU and NATO.
The Republic of Macedonia should continue the implementation of the reforms, strengthening the economy, adopting laws in order to attract more foreign investments, strengthening the trade; it is important for the Republic of Macedonia to be prepared for the EU- underlined Mr. Bagish.
The participants emphasised the historic connection between the two states, from the past, the presence and for the future, hoping that these two states will become members of the EU and NATO families, which they naturally belong to.