The issue between Macedonia and Greece may be resolved fast, by the example of Croatia and Slovenia although it is a problem of different nature, said Croatian President Ivo Josipovic after meeting his Macedonian counterpart Gjorge Ivanov in Skopje where he is paying his first official visit to Macedonia. Josipovic backed on this occasion Macedonia’s bid for joining the EU and NATO.

“Croatia wishes the issue with Greece to be resolved as soon as possible and the obstacles Macedonia has on its way toward the EU and NATO to be removed. I think it is possible to do this fast, which is good for both the whole region and the European Union,” Josipovic said.

The optimism of the international community for fast resolution of the issue with Greece, according to President Ivanov, draws upon the ever more frequent meetings between the prime ministers of Macedonia and Greece.

“The Macedonian and Greek prime minister had six meetings and a certain level of mutual trust has been achieved. When there is such trust, a mutually acceptable solution can be found. The optimism of Brussels probably draws upon the information they have from these meetings,” President Ivanov said.

The Croatian president believes that the integration of the Balkans into the EU is a strategic interest of his country, of the region and of the EU. During his one-day visit to Macedonia, he is also set to meet Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski, Parliament Speaker Trajko Veljanoski, Macedonian and Croatian businessmen and representatives of the Croatian community in Macedonia.