Friday, 5 May 2017
PARLIAMENT SPEAKER XHAFERI MEETS MS KAREN PIERCE
The President of the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia, Mr. Talat Xhaferi held a working meeting with Ms. Karen Pierce, the political director at the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
On this occasion, Ms. Pierce congratulated him on being elected President of the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia and wished him success in the execution of his mandate. She re-affirmed UK’s determination to continue the current inter-institutional bilateral cooperation with the Republic of Macedonia. 
The UK will continue to support the swift achievement of Macedonia’s basic priorities for NATO and EU membership. President Xhaferi thanked for the congratulations, but also for the support extended by the UK to the Republic of Macedonia.
Furthermore, he emphasized that he will carry out his duties as a President of the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia in the interest of all citizens regardless of their ethnic, political or other affiliation. Mr. Xhaferi voiced his belief that the process of peaceful transition of power will continue and in this context we expect a new government to be swiftly formed through its election at the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia.
Ms. Pierce and Mr. Xhaferi also exchanged opinions on developments in the region. In this context, Parliament Speaker Xhaferi emphasized once more the positive role of the Republic of Macedonia demonstrated so far in maintaining the stability of the region and its Euro-Atlantic perspective. He reminded that the name dispute imposed by our Southern neighbor is a huge obstacle in Macedonia’s integration process. Furthermore he voiced readiness for constructive approach to overcoming this issue which will be confirmed by all citizens of this country.