The Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Macedonia in charge of European Affairs, Fatmir Besimi, PhD paid a one- day visit to the Federal Republic of Germany, where he met the State Secretary of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Germany, Markus Ederer, PhD and a senior representative of the cabinet of the Chancellor Angela Merkel, deputy director general of the Directorate General for European Policy, Franz Neider, PhD, as well as the special representative for South-East Europe, Ernst Reichel, PhD.

At the beginning of the meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister Besimi and the State Secretary Ederer welcomed the good bilateral relations between Macedonia and the Federal Republic of Germany and expressed full commitment to further deepening of each level of mutual interest.

They also addressed the recent conclusions of the Council of the EU for Macedonia, reiterating concerns about the current political developments in Macedonia and emphasizing the need to find a rapid sustainable political, legal and institutional solution, respecting the principles of the rule of law and the legal mechanisms available, including determination of responsibility. They also highlighted the German support to the political negotiations that are taking place with support of Members of the European Parliament. The interethnic relations were also discussed during the meeting as well as the security situation in the country, stressing that a stable region is also in the interest of the European Union.

Also, they discussed the results of the last meeting of the Prime Ministers of Western Balkans in Brussels, where the main transport infrastructure network was established as a basis for improvement of the connection among the Western Balkan countries, and as a precondition to attract foreign investors and accelerated economic development. The Republic of Macedonia remains fully committed to deepening regional cooperation and will actively participate in this important process.

Deputy Prime Minister Besimi underlined that the reform process and Euro-Atlantic integration of the country is a fundamental commitment of the Government of the Republic of Macedonia, stressing that despite the challenges we face at the moment, the dedication on promoting the standards in every social sphere and advancing the opportunities for all citizens continues with the same intensity.

Deputy Prime Minister Besimi expressed his gratitude for the direct support that the Republic of Macedonia and the Secretariat for European Affairs receive from Germany as a very important strategic partner, through the office of the German Society for International Cooperation-GIZ and the IPA twinning project, a consortium of three countries where Germany is a major partner, and in cooperation with Poland and Croatia.

Finally, both sides highlighted the importance and the need to overcome the challenges the country is facing, internally and externally, in view of becoming a member of the European Union as soon as possible.