Wednesday, 10 June 2009
PRESIDENT OF THE ASSEMBLY, MR. TRAJKO VELJANOSKI RECEIVED THE NEWLY APPOINTED AMBASSADOR OF THE PORTUGUESE REPUBLIC, H.E. MR. LUIS DE ALMEIDA SAMPAIO
President Veljanoski expressed hope that Macedonia and Portugal will soon open their resident embassies as a step forward in enhancing the political and economic cooperation between the two countries. He introduced the Ambassador Sampaio to the political situation in the Republic of Macedonia, the reforms undertaken by the country in the direction of our integration in the NATO and EU, the broad support of the Macedonian citizens for the Euro-Atlantic aspirations of the country, as well as the expectations that the country will get visa liberalisation and a date for starting the negotiations with the EU. President Veljanoski expressed interest in enhancing the parliamentary cooperation between Macedonia and Portugal at all levels.
Ambassador Sampaio stressed the support of Portugal for the Republic of Macedonia and its Euro-Atlantic integration, expressing optimism that the support will continue in the future. He fully agreed with President Veljanoski that opening of resident embassies in Macedonia and Portugal would be very useful for both countries in establishing closer relations. Ambassador Sampaio expressed his intention to work on strengthening of the parliamentary cooperation between the two countries.