Italy will continue to support Macedonia's aspirations for membership in EU and NATO. Rome is particularly glad that Macedonia received the status candidate for EU membership, and it is committed to continuation of the process for expansion of the EU, Macedonian President Branko Crvenkovski stressed after the meeting with Italian President Giorgio Napolitano.

Crvenkovski said that the manifestation "Macedonia in honor of St. Cyril" is an excellent opportunity for meetings to be held with the Italian state leadership. "Italy is a proven friend, strong ally, and partner of Macedonia. Macedonia has already cooperated with some members of the new Italian Government. These people, like Prime Minister Romano Prodi, are proven friends of Macedonia", the Macedonian president said.