In anticipation of the June EU Summit, the Deputy Prime Minister of the Government of the Republic of Macedonia responsible for European affairs, Dr. Fatmir Besimi, as of today is paying a working visit to Ireland. He met with the Tánaiste (Deputy Prime Minister) and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Eamon Gilmore and with the Minister of State for European Affairs, Lucinda Creighton.
In the course of the meetings, the Deputy Prime Minister Fatmir Besimi presented the implementation status of the activities relating to the European reforms, as well as the measures that have been implemented for the purposes of fulfilling the aims covered by the High Level Accession Dialogue.
Moreover, Besimi highlighted the fact that the membership of the Republic of Macedonia within the EU remains the main strategic priority of the country and that the Government remains committed to fulfilling the undertaken obligations which are part of the European integration process. In addition, he noted that the achieved progress was positively rated in the spring European Commission report as well.
Furthermore, the Deputy Prime Minister, Besimi, expressed his gratitude towards the constant support of Ireland for the membership of the Republic of Macedonia into the EU. He noted that Macedonia expects the progress report for the country to be taken into consideration and reviewed at the EU Summit and appropriate conclusions to be given.
His interlocutors pointed out that Ireland supports the Macedonian membership into the EU and noted that it is of great importance that this process is accelerated, in order solutions to be found for the unresolved issues with the neighbours.
During his visit to Dublin, the Deputy Prime Minister Besimi addressed the Institute of International and European Affairs in presence of diplomats from other countries and academics on the topic EU Integration of the Western Balkan Countries – Challenges and Possibilities.
Besimi in Dublin also met with the European Affairs Committee for within the Parliament of Ireland.