Deputy president of the Government of the Republic of Macedonia for European Affairs, Fatmir Besimi PhD, today had a meeting with the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Netherlands in our country, Mr. W. Wouter Plomp.

Besimi congratulated the Dutch EU presidency, wishing successful implementation of the programme and strong support of the EU enlargement process. Deputy Prime Minister expressed satisfaction regarding the mutual cooperation so far, which he expects to be continued during the EU presidency period.

The key priorities in the European Union accession process, established in the High Level Accession Dialogue were highlighted during the talks: freedom of speech and media, judiciary, fight against corruption and organised crime, interethnic relations, public administration reform, good neighborly relations, regional cooperation and enhancing economic growth and employment.

Deputy Prime Minister Besimi also highlighted Macedonia's role on the migrant route and the country's commitment for partner cooperation with the EU in the dealing with the migrant crisis. It is the migrant and refugee crisis that shows the importance of the Western Balkans countries integration in the EU as soon as possible.

At the end of the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Besimi and the Ambassador Wouter Plomp stressed that the cooperation between the Republic of Macedonia and the Kingdom of Netherlands shall continue in the forthcoming period, with strong support to the successful implementation of the reforms.