Macedonian President Gjorge Ivanov met Monday in Vienna with the former Austrian President Heinz Fischer.
Ivanov and Fischer exchanged views on current developments in Europe and the European Union, migrant crisis and challenges that countries in Southeast Europe face, Ivanov’s Cabinet told.
Ivanov thanked for consistent support from Austria support to Macedonia’s strategic goals and expressed satisfaction with the cooperation in dealing with migrant crisis.
Fischer expressed satisfaction with the way Macedonia successfully handling with the migrant and refugee crisis. In this respect, Ivanov and Fischer agreed that it is necessary security cooperation between all countries of the European continent to be enhanced. Also, interlocutors concluded that the EU enlargement policy must continue and that the integration of the Balkans is essential to the overall peace, security and stability in the region. Referring to the situation and recent developments in the European Union, they agreed that the European Union is stagnating and is facing a growing number of problems. Nevertheless, they consider that despite this situation, the European Union must overcome the crisis and move on.
Also current political and economic situation both in Macedonia and Austria were discussed at the meeting.
Ivanov thanked Fischer for the overall personal commitment and efforts in promoting political dialogue between Macedonia and Albania which resulted in increased cooperation in several spheres of mutual interest and expressed hope that it will be intensified and deepened in the future.
Ivanov who takes part at the Congress of the Pan-European Union in Austria said that enlargement fatigue in the EU has led to backsliding in the region of South East Europe.
Former Austrian President Heinz Fischer is considered for long-time friend of Macedonia and one of the strongest supporters of the enlargement process of the EU. Austria was the initiator of Friends of Macedonia Group in the European Parliament. Presidential elections in Austria are scheduled for Dec. 4.
