Macedonia's NATO integration process was the focal point of Tuesday's meeting between Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara.

Gruevski has met Erdogan as part of his activities to present national interests and the benefits of Macedonia's membership to NATO for everyone.

"In addition to the main topic, NATO membership, we've also discussed other issues related to economy and to attracting Turkish investments in Macedonia. I informed PM Erdogan about the efforts for presenting investment opportunities in Macedonia made by the government delegation and about the business forums which have been held in several cities across Turkey," Gruevski stated after his meeting with Erdogan.

Turkish investors have shown huge interest in investing in Macedonia, the PM added.

"Many of them said they would come to Macedonia to scan investment opportunities. PM Erdogan told me he would keep on giving support in this area. As you know, on several occasions he has called on Turkish businessmen to invest in Macedonia, which boosted Turkey's investments in our country," Gruevski said.

Turkey continues advocating for strong political and economic ties, the PM noted.

Turkey is Macedonia's great strategic friend and strong supporter in its efforts to become a member of NATO and the EU. Turkey's vital support for Macedonia's NATO membership will be presented at the upcoming summit in Chicago i.e. that Ankara will firmly endorse the interests of Macedonia. Turkey at a recent meeting of the North Atlantic Council urged NATO to redefine its stance toward Macedonia at the Chicago summit.

The lobbying process is under way and it won't be taken into consideration only at the Chicago summit. The process is being carried out in a manner that has been agreed by the two premiers during Erdogan's recent visit to Macedonia.

The government is conducting a coordinated state strategy, which envisages all of its representatives, ministers and diplomats to launch international activities in a bid the country's strategic goal - NATO membership - to be met.