Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Macedonia in charge of European Affairs, Fatmir Besimi, PhD, had a working meeting with Didier Reynders, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Belgium, who is paying an official visit to the Republic of Macedonia.

During the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Besimi stressed the importance of the process of European integration of the Republic of Macedonia, saying that European integration remains a key strategic priority of our country. In this context, he emphasized that the Government monitors the implementation of the selected priorities based on the recommendations of the European Commission, which are crucial in the process of EU accession, such as freedom of expression and media, judiciary, interethnic relations, good neighbourly relations, regional cooperation and enhancing economic growth and employment.

Also, the need of enhanced interest was underlined, as well as undertaking specific steps by all parties, including the European Union in order to overcome the barrier imposed by the longstanding name dispute in view of starting the accession negotiations as soon as possible.

Regarding the current political situation, the Deputy Prime Minister Besimi stressed that it is necessary to re-establish functional political dialogue in terms of the aims of the European Parliament troika, in order to overcome the challenges and to move toward the strategically defined European path.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Reynders, highlighted the support for European Union membership given by Belgium to the Republic of Macedonia. Regarding the current political situation, he suggested that it is important to establish political dialogue in the country. The implementation of the Ohrid Framework Agreement and the interethnic relations were underlined during the conversation as a solid ground for further promotion and development.

Belgium falls within the group of 15 EU Member States which supported the start of the pre-accession negotiations and made efforts for thorough discussion in the Council of the EU as regards the future of the European integration process of the Republic of Macedonia, right before the start of the last year's meeting of the European Council.

Finally, both sides highlighted the importance and need for inclusion and contribution by all political and social actors in order to achieve the longstanding strategic objective - membership of the Republic of Macedonia in the European Union.