Friday, 25 March 2011
MACEDONIA TO CONTINUE THE PATH OF PARLIAMENTARY DEMOCRACY
The Chair of the Parliamentary Group of the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia for Cooperation with the Parliament of the Republic of Turkey, Mr. Kenan Hasipi and the Members of the Group: Mr. Cvetko Grozdanov, Mr. Andrej Zernovski, Mr. Avdija Pepik and Mr. Nazif Bushi had a meeting with the Minister on European Issues and Chef Negotiator of the Republic of Turkey, Mr. Egemen Bağış .
The Turkish delegation was comprised of: H.E. Gurol Sokmensuer, Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to the Republic of Macedonia and Mr. Haluk Ilichak, Ambassador, Secretary General on EU Issues.
Mr. Hasipi welcomed the Turkish Delegation and expressed appreciation to the Representatives of the Executive Governance for the Meeting with the Parliamentary Group of the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia for Cooperation with the Parliament of the Republic of Turkey, emphasising the parliamentary democracy.
The Chair, Mr. Hasipi underlined the good and stabile relations between these two friendly countries, which are characterised with high degree of tolerance and understanding. In the same time he reminded that the Republic of Turkey was the first to recognize the independence and sovereignty of the Republic of Macedonia and uses its constitutional name in all international platforms, it was the first to open an Embassy in the Republic of Macedonia and appointed its Ambassador, as well as provided strong and unselfish support during the Summit in Bucharest.
The Minister on European issues and Chef Negotiator of the Republic of Turkey, Mr. Egemen Bağış stated that it is a great responsibility to be present in a friendly and brotherly state as the Republic of Macedonia, expressing his personal pleasure for the presence of all political parties in the Parliamentary Group of the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia for Cooperation with the Parliament of the Republic of Turkey.
He added that the acknowledgement of the independence and the opening of the Embassy is a step which the Republic of Turkey is proud of and Turkey will continue its support for the Republic of Macedonia in all international platforms, considering the problems both countries are faced with on their way to EU and NATO Integration.
Beside the political cooperation, the relations between these countries are characterized with cooperation in the area of defence, interior affairs, health care, sport etc. The Republic of Turkey is a significant trade partner and is one for the first 10 countries with the largest trade with Macedonia. Many monuments in the country are a proof of the strong cultural and historic ties between these two countries and their preservation is of major importance.