Gantar pointed out that there was still a lot of potential, especially in economic cooperation, and added that Macedonia fulfilled the criteria for EU and NATO accession, the speaker's delegation told STA.
Milososki thanked Slovenia for its support in this respect and stressed that Macedonia was a lively and dynamic country despite the difficult past two decades.
He added that during those difficult times the country never "crossed over to the other side" and has always wanted to succeed as a competitive and stable country, not only in the region but also in Europe.
The minister said he expected Macedonia to get a date for the launch of accession negotiations with the EU in the coming months. He said he hoped the EU was aware that Macedonia's accession was the best guarantee for stability in the region.
Gantar said Macedonia was well prepared for accession and complimented on the country's cooperation with NATO.
Talks with Ivanov meanwhile focused on economic cooperation. Gantar said he was happy that the excellent relations were enhancing and noted that there were still many opportunities.
Gantar also welcomed the European Commission's positive assessment of Macedonia's progress in the implementation of reforms in the recent years. He asserted that the EU was aware that enlargement to the Western Balkans was crucial for the region's stability.
As part of his tree-day visit to the country, the speaker met Slovenian business executives working in Macedonia, members of the Slovenian-Macedonian business club and representatives of the Slovenian associations from Skopje and Bitola. He also addressed the Macedonian parliament.
