Monday, July 8, 2013
THE NETHERLANDS - A FRIENDLY COUNTRY WITH CONTINUOUS SUPPORT FOR MACEDONIA
Today, in the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia, the National Council for European Integration and the European Affairs Committee held a meeting with the Delegation of the European Affairs Committee of the Dutch Parliament.
The meeting was attended by: Mr. Nexhati Jakupi, Deputy Chairman of the Committee on European Affairs, Ms. Silvana Boneva, Deputy Chairperson of the National Council for European Integration, Mr. Milošoski, Mrs. Vladanka Avirović, Mr. Safet Biševac, Mr. Pavle Trajanov, Ms. Suzana Saliu, Mr. Kenan Hasipi and Mr. Mihajlo Dzolonga.
In his opening speech, Mr. Jakupi welcomed the guests and expressed appreciation for the continued support that Netherlands, as a friendly country, gives to the Republic of Macedonia in terms of its Euro integration, as well as for its commitment to promote the parliamentary cooperation between the two Committees.
Regarding the economic cooperation, Mr. Jakupi pointed out last year's establishment of the Macedonian-Dutch Chamber of Commerce, members of which are around fifty Macedonian companies.
Alexander Pechtold, member of the Committee on European Affairs of the Parliament of the Netherlands, expressed interest about the rule of law regarding the minorities, the situation with the human rights, the events of 24 December and the recent attack on the LGBT center, as well as about the media.
Mrs. Silvana Boneva, Mr. Kenan Hasipi, Mr. Safet Biševac, Mr. Milošoski and Mrs. Suzana Saliu also took part in the discussion. They pointed out that Macedonia continues to maintain good neighborly relations, makes efforts for finding a solution for the name dispute with neighbouring Greece, and is committed to the process of EU integration as a strongest cohesive factor in the Macedonian multiethnic society.