Monday, 8 June 2010
The President of the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia Mr. Trajko Veljanoski at the 8th Conference of Speakers of Parliaments of the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP)
The 8th Conference of SEECP Speakers of Parliaments is taking place on 6-8 June 2010 in Antalya, Turkey, with participation of the Presidents of the Parliaments from the region of South-East Europe, as well of representatives from several European Parliamentary Assemblies and other institutions. It is expected that the Conference will result in the establishing of a regional Parliamentary Assembly, similar to those functioning in several other European regions.
President Veljanoski met the President of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey - Mr. Mehmet Ali Sahin, and the President of the Parliament of the Republic of Montenegro - Mr. Ranko Krivokapic.
In the framework of the 8th Conference of SEECP Speakers of Parliaments, the President of the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia Mr. Trajko Veljanoski met the President of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey - Mr. Mehmet Ali Sahin.
Mr. Mehmet Ali Sahin expressed his satisfaction that the Republic of Macedonia has demonstrated its genuine friendship towards Turkey with the participation at this important Conference hosted by Turkey which, besides contributing to the strengthening of the traditionally good relations between the two countries, shows the commitment of the Republic of Macedonia for intensification of the cooperation among the countries in South-East Europe.
The President of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, Mr. Mehmet Ali Sahin, said that the Republic of Turkey is closely following and supporting the aspirations of the Republic of Macedonia for EU and NATO membership, and expressed regret that despite its efforts the country is faced with problems on its path to Euro-Atlantic integration. He pointed out that every country, including Macedonia, has the right to use its name.
President Veljanoski emphasized the importance of the Conference and expressed support for the Final Declaration which is expected to improve the work of the SEECP. President Veljanoski also said that the Republic of Macedonia, as a multicultural, multiethnic and multi-confessional community, fully respects the principles of mutual understanding, tolerance and cooperation, adding that at a time when Europe is faced with difficult challenges tolerance and dialogue is the 
only solution for the problems.
Today President Veljanoski also met the President of the Parliament of the Republic of Montenegro, Mr. Ranko Krivokapic. At the meeting both Presidents agreed that the relations between the two countries are excellent, with no open issues.
Both Presidents emphasized the Euro-Atlantic aspirations of the two countries and expressed readiness for mutual support and exchange of experiences.
Regarding the name dispute with Greece, the President of the Parliament of the
Republic of Montenegro expressed his conviction that a solution will be found for this absurd issue and that very soon the Republic of Macedonia and the Republic of Montenegro will be part of the European family.
President Veljanoski accepted with pleasure the invitations from his colleagues for return visits to the Republic of Turkey and the Republic of Montenegro.