Macedonia deserves more than any other candidate to join NATO.
I consider the entire situation over the name issue as being artificial and brings injustice to Macedonia. We urge all members to cooperate with Macedonia, said Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu at Sunday's joint press conference with host Nikola Dimitrov.
FM Cavusoglu said Ankara would support any solution acceptable to Macedonia and Greece, adding that Macedonia's decision is important in this aspect.
Minister Dimitrov said the situation in the name row is clear from a legal point of view.
"In this sense we have a clear situation. There is the 1995 Interim Treaty and a 2011 ruling by the Hague-based International Court of Justice, meaning that Macedonia should not have obstacles in receiving an invitation to join NATO under the interim reference. I will try to highlight and assure it is also in Greece's interest to do this. I will try to add as much political arguments to the legal arguments. This is very important for the country and the entire region. Macedonia's NATO membership will have a positive effect on the stabilization of our region", said Dimitrov.
President Ivanov and Turkish FM Cavusoglu discuss further enhancement of bilateral relations
President Gjorge Ivanov and Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu discussed Sunday the further enhancement of bilateral relations and cooperation, expressing satisfaction from the traditional friendship and partnership, as well as the intensive communication in all spheres of mutual interest.
President Ivanov stressed that Macedonia highly values Turkey's support over the use of the country's constitutional name and its NATO accession.
"Following the political crisis settlement it is time to create a fresh incentive over Macedonia's NATO membership. As before, we expect your open and vocal support", stressed Ivanov.
FM Cavusoglu reaffirmed Turkey's support to Macedonia's European and Euro-Atlantic integration, saying his country would remain consistent to this position.
Interlocutors exchanged opinions on regional and global developments, along with the need for greater cooperation between the countries' security services.
In this regard, Ivanov highlighted the need for information exchange between police and intelligence services, undertaking of joint operations, and finding effective means and methods for prevention and fight against the spreading of violent extremism and terrorism, the President's Office said in a press release.
Ivanov and Cavusoglu also expect intensification of economic cooperation and saluted the fruitful collaboration in the defense field.
