Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikola Poposki held Wednesday a working meeting with the UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, who is paying an official visit to Macedonia as part of his Balkan tour.

FM Poposki and the UN head discussed a number of current issues included in the UN agenda: the organisation's engagement in tackling crises worldwide, most notably the situation in Syria, addressing global challenges such as eradication of poverty, the fight against terrorism, climate changes, energy efficiency, non-proliferation of weapons, future activities focused on sustainable development following the Rio+20 conference, etc., MoFA said in a press release.

The FM underscored Macedonia's support for efforts made by the UN to preserve peace and security and tackle global challenges and crises and in particular for the pledges of the UN head to reform the entire UN system, his activities to resolve the situation in Syria, the transition in Libya and Tunisia and for further activities related to sustainable development.

Poposki informed Ban Ki-moon on Macedonia's achievements since its independence and during the country's 19-year membership to the UN, namely in the establishment of a multi-ethnic functional democracy, our contribution to regional development and cooperation with an emphasis on building good neighbourly ties, our efforts and contribution to advance and respect human rights worldwide - which is being acknowledged with country's candidacy for membership into the Human Rights Council for 2014-2016 - our intention to boost participation in UN-led peace missions as well as a number of other activities aimed at strengthening the cooperation and partnership between the Republic of Macedonia and the United Nations.

"Interlocutors at the meeting, which was also attended by the UN special envoy in the name dispute Matthew Nimetz, shared views on finding a way to intensify the UN-brokered talks in an effort to swiftly solve the issue. Minister Poposki pointed out our constructive approach in the process, voicing hopes and expectation that the other side would also show good will and readiness to make essential steps in finding a mutually acceptable solution," stated the press release.