Friday, 28 January 2011
DELEGATION FROM THE ASSEMBLY OF THE REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA HEADED BY THE PRESIDENT VELJANOSKI IS IN OFFICIAL VISIT OF MONTENEGRO
The Delegation form the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia, headed by the President of the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia and comprised of the MPs: Krsto Mukoski, MP from VMRO-DPMNE and Chair of the Parliamentary Group for Cooperation with the Parliament of Montenegro, Ms. Ermira Mehmeti, MP from DUI and Mile Andonov, Member of SDUM, both members of the Group had a meeting with the President of the Parliament of Montenegro, Mr. Ranko Krivokapik.
Both Speakers agreed that the bilateral relations between the two states are on a very high level. The Highly developed relations contribute in the overall stability of the Region and influence it Euro-Atlantic perspective. Intensification of the relations in the area of economy is needed. In this sense, the meetings on the highest political should be continued, including the business community, which will produce initiatives for improvement of the economic relations.
The President Veljanoski, in direction of accomplishment of the common goal Euro-Atlantic integration, whished his host to receive a date on opening negotiations with the EU. Concluding that the Republic of Macedonia receives recommendation from the European Commission for opening negotiations in the past two consecutive years, but because of the blockage from Greece and the absurd issue about our name issue, this process is not happening, the President Veljanoski underlined that the Republic of Macedonia actively participating in the negotiations under the auspices of the United Nations is prepared to find a compromising solution which will not jeopardize our national, cultural and lingual identity. Mr. Krivokapik expressed his understanding for the complexity of these issues and provided support for finding solutions as soon as possible.
„continuing the reforms, especially the harmonization of our legislation with the Acquis and considering that the national parliaments are the engine of the Euro-Atlantic train, I think that our future cooperation should be intensifies in these particular areas. In this regard we are prepared to share our positive and less positive experience with Montenegro” underlined President Veljanoski.
Speaking about the development of the bilateral relations, the President Veljanoski informed that the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia has recently ratified two additional bilateral agreements, the former is the Agreement on Scientific and Technologic Cooperation, and the later is an Agreement on Cooperation in the Area of Education.
Referring to the economy, Mr. Veljanoski emphasized that Montenegro, as tourist destination becomes more attractive for our citizens, and the tourism particularly can be the basis for development of the economic cooperation on higher level.
On the hospitable meeting with the President of Montenegro, Mr. Filip Vujanovik, the topic of the discussion were the area of mutual interest and the high level of relations between the two states which contribute in the overall stability of the Region and its Euro-Atlantic perspective. “The Republic of Macedonia and Montenegro are not the biggest states in the region, but they are recognized for their policy of good neighborly relations and pro-European policies are recognized not only by the region but also wider”- underlined Mr. Veljanoski. Mr. Vukanovik emphasized the great importance of the Euro integrative process for the progress of both states, as well as the need for development of the economic relations which should follow the excellent political relations. The President of Montenegro also referred on the issue with the Serbian Orthodox Church.
At the end of the official visit of Montenegro, the President of the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia had a meeting with the Prime minister of Montenegro, Mr. Igor Likshik. Congratulating him on the recent election and wishing him success in the work as Prime Minister, the President Veljanoski referred to the economic affairs and cooperation. He stated that the economic crisis had a negative influence on the national economies and still, the Republic of Macedonia had a rather good success in the end of the last year, which means that the consequences from the crisis did not cause major negative effects, and the Republic of Macedonia plans a realistic growth of the GDP of about 3%. “The tourism, agriculture products, food industry, construction, traffic are the areas where both economies can do a lot for their mutual interest”- underlined Mr. Veljanoski.
The president Veljanoski expressed full preparedness for assistance and sharing the experiences, both positive and less positive in the Euro-Atlantic processes.
The prime Minister Lukshik expressed pleasure for the meeting and the opportunity for exchange of experiences and provided his full support for the efforts of the Republic of Macedonia in becoming a Member of the European Union. Expressing appreciation for the support provided by the Republic of Macedonia, as well as for offered assistance in the Euro-Atlantic processes, the Prime Minister especially referred to the promotion of the economic cooperation.
In the framework of the overall bilateral relations, the bridges for cooperation between these two states are the members of the Macedonian minority in Montenegro and the Montenegrin minority in the Republic of Macedonia.