State Secretary Ana Blazheska yesterday (04.07.2015) had a working meeting with Harlem Désir, State Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of France in Paris.

During the meeting, State Secretary Blazheska stressed the importance of the process of European integration of the Republic of Macedonia, as well as the commitment of the Macedonian institutions for complete fulfilment of the reform processes, stating that the European integration remains a key strategic priority of our country. In this context she pointed out that the Government monitors the realisation of the selected priorities based on the recommendations of the European Commission, which are of key importance in the process of accession to the EU.

Inter alia, the need of increased support of European partners was stressed in order to start accession negotiations as soon as possible.

The State Secretary Blazheska stressed that the support Macedonian institutions receive from France through IPA and bilateral cooperation is of great importance for promotion of the work of the institutions covered by these projects. France remains partner in view of faster and more efficient integration of Macedonia in the EU.

The State Secretary Désir highlighted the support for European Union membership given by France to the Republic of Macedonia. France has so far been supportive to the process for starting the negotiations. It was stressed that full implementation of the recommendations of the European Commission, presented in the annual Progress Report, is needed.

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.