Stoltenberg encourages Macedonia to continue efforts towards NATO accession

SKOPJE, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- NATO member countries are inspired by the commitment and enthusiasm of Macedonia to join the Alliance, and it wishes the country success in this drive, NATO general secretary Jens Stoltenberg said Thursday at a press conference here.

During the meetings he had with Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev, Stoltenberg noted that NATO's door remains open to new members.

However, he said that the solving of name issue with Greece was still a barrier that Macedonia had to overcome.

"I welcome the will of Macedonian government to find a solution to this issue. Wednesday meeting of Macedonia, Greece mediators in New York, supported by United Nations, is an important step for further progress towards NATO," Stoltenberg said.

He said that Macedonia also needed to make progress in reforms that the current government has already launched.

Earlier, the NATO chief had a meeting with President Gjorge Ivanov. The president told Stoltenberg that Macedonia had continuously proved itself as a reliable strategic partner and ally to NATO, so it was necessary to receive the long-deserved membership in the Alliance.

"Macedonia's membership in NATO will contribute to stability, security and prosperity in the entire region in a long run," Ivanov said at the meeting.

The meeting also focused on Macedonia's Euro-Atlantic integration, defense and security reforms in accordance to NATO standards, Ivanov's office informed. Enditem