Wednesday, 25 September 2013
MEETING OF THE PRESIDENT VELJANOSKI WITH THE LORD SPEAKER OF THE UPPER HOUSE OF THE PARLIAMENT OF THE UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND, BARONESS D'SOUZA
The President of the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia, Mr. Trajko Veljanoski, held a meeting with the Lord Speaker of the Upper House of the Parliament of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Baroness D'Souza who was officially visiting the Republic of Macedonia.
The President Veljanoski noted that today's meeting is another confirmation of the friendship and partnership that Macedonia has built with the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and a confirmation of the willingness of both sides to intensify the relations and cooperation in all areas of mutual interest. He also expressed satisfaction from the opportunity to jointly to contribute to the promotion of the relations between the two countries, which have traditionally been good and have a continuous development.
The President Veljanoski expressed appreciation that since the establishment of the diplomatic relations in December 1993 the United Kingdom has continuously supported the integration process of Macedonia's and full membership in the European Union and NATO. The President Veljanoski also expressed appreciation for the United Kingdom's use of our constitutional name in bilateral communication.
The President Veljanoski highlighted the well-constructed relationship between the two countries, which is indicative through the projects that the United Kingdom supports through its embassy and the Westminster Foundation, with which the Parliament has a long-term cooperation and through whose assistance there has been an advancement of professional qualifications and a strengthening of the capacity of the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia.
Baroness D'Souza expressed great pleasure for the opportunity to visit the Republic of Macedonia and the Parliament, especially because the visit coincides with the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Macedonia, and at the same time, emphasized that this visit reinforces and highlights the friendship of the two countries.
Lord Speaker D'Souza noted that the United Kingdom especially appreciates that European integration is set up high in the priorities of the Republic of Macedonia and that the United Kingdom continuously supports the enlargement of the European Union. Lord Speaker D'Souza also stressed that it is time that the Republic of Macedonia becomes a part of the European Union.
Baroness D'Souza pointed out that there is no perfect democracy, that democracy is a process, not a product ,and that in practice it requires constant work and investment.
At the meeting both Speakers exchanged their opinions on parliamentary cooperation, how it can be intensified through parliamentary groups for cooperation and various working bodies, as well as ,the promotion of the economic relations and investment opportunities, and other issues of importance to the citizens of both countries.