Macedonia plays a constructive role in talks aimed at settling the name dispute with Greece. Athens' economic challenges at home must not be a reason for avoiding to meet the strategic goal of the region - Macedonian integration into EU and NATO, said Foreign Minister Nikola Poposki, who is chairing the Ambassadorial Council on Wednesday and Thursday.

"The Republic of Macedonia fails to show non-constructiveness in its approach. It is our policy and mirror. It's up to the Republic of Greece to recognise the effort and to promote a positive stance focusing first and foremost on the strategic interest of the region. It is a fact that the country is facing serious economic challenges at home, but it shouldn't in any way avoid meeting the strategic goal of the region - Macedonia's integration to EU and NATO. Our actions and approach towards the issue are constructive and well-intentioned in order to give an added value for the two countries and the entire region. The concept of ignoring Macedonia's stance needs to be avoided," FM Poposki stated answering a journalist question.

He said 2012 would be an exceptionally intensive year with respect to diplomacy with a great number of activities and engagements of the entire diplomatic network.

Ambassadors were given directions, Poposki informed, how to organise political and economic activities with an emphasis to be more engaged in attracting foreign investments. He noted that an excellent opportunity had been opened after obtaining three consecutive positive progress reports by the European Commission and with the judgement of the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

On Wednesday, the ambassadors will meet with President Gjorge Ivanov, Parliament Speaker Trajko Veljanoski and with PM Nikola Gruevski.