Tuesday, 24 January 2012
SLOVAKIA WHOLEHEARTEDLY SUPPORTS THE REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA ON THE PATH TO EU
The Vice President of the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia, Ms. Svetlana Jakimovska, the Parliamentary Group for Cooperation with the Parliament of the Republic of Slovakia and the Committee on Labour and Social Policy of the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia, had a meeting with the Deputy- Prime Minister and Minister of Labour and Social Affairs and Family of the Republic of Slovakia, Mr. Jozef Mihail.
The Vice-President Jakimovska underlined that the interparliamentary cooperation and the exchange of experience should be intensified. She also expressed her conviction that Slovakia will continue its support of the Republic of Macedonia on its path to EU and NATO.
She also informed the guests on the achieved progress of the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia, especially since 2006. The Assembly adopted the new Rules of Procedure, established the E-Parliament and holds regular coordinating meetings which are chaired by the President of the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia and attended by the three Vice-Presidents and the Coordinators of the Parliamentary Groups.
The Deputy- Prime Minister and Minister of Labour and Social Affairs and Family of the Republic of Slovakia, Mr. Jozef Mihail underlined that this visit confirms and strengthens the good bilateral relations. He underlined that Slovakia supports the Republic of Macedonia in becoming a Member of EU and NATO and that the Western Balkan is a long-term priority for Slovakia.
He expressed hope that the existing obstacles will be over-bridged and that the Republic of Macedonia will open accession negotiations. Slovakia offers its experience and assistance, since the harmonization of the Acquis and the local conditions is a long process and Macedonia will benefit from the Slovakian experience.
He stated that the citizens should be aware that certain reforms are necessary for the progress of the state in which the parliament has an important role, and that Slovakia will support our efforts.
Mr. Jozef Mihail had a meeting with the Members of the Parliamentary Group for Cooperation wills the Parliament of Slovakia, comprised of: Ms. Svetlana Karapetrova, Ms. Sizana Anova, Ms. Hajrie Misimi, Mr. Erdogan Sarach, Ms. Divna Jovkovska- Eftimovska, and Ms. Nada Chipusheva.
The Vice-Prime Minister, Mr. Jozef Mihail stated that the aim of this meeting is to confirm the friendly relations between the two states and expressed support for the Republic of Macedonia in the Euro-Atlantic integration, since this is in the interest of the peace, progress and security of the Region.
The cooperation between the Parliamentary Groups should continue and the parliament is working on the progress of the Republic of Macedonia to EU. The Government adopts measures to decrease the unemployment and improve the living standard of the citizens. The Republic of Macedonia third time receives a recommendation for opening accession negotiations with EU, but the issue with Greece remains unsolved- underlined Ms. Svetlana Karapetrova.
At the meeting with the Committee on Labour and Social Policy of the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia, the Chair, Ms. Cvetanka Ivanova, expressing pleasure for the meeting, briefly informed the guests on the work and the competences of the Committee and underlined the good cooperation with the Macedonian Ministry of Labour and Social Policy.
The Macedonian MPs agreed that the Slovakian experience is a benefit for the Republic of Macedonia.
Ms. Jozef Mihail informed the participants on the work of the Parliament of the Republic of Slovakia and the standards of his country, underlined the importance of: decreasing of unemployment, good family policy, supporting of young families and quality education.
The Slovakian Deputy- Prime Minister underlining the importance of this Committee, stated that this Committee covers many issues which do not require politics, but the best solution for people.