On the first day of his participation at the Bled Strategic Forum in Slovenia, Foreign Minister Nikola Poposki held bilateral talks with his counterparts from Montenegro and Kosovo - Nebojsa Kaludjerovic and Enver Hoxhaj - and with the Central European Initiative (CEI) Secretary General, Gerhard Pfanzelter.

Mr. Poposki and Mr. Kaludjerovic discussed the EU integration processes of Macedonia and Montenegro, reforms with relation to the start of EU accession talks and bilateral relations in politics and economy, the Foreign Ministry said Monday in a press release. Minister Poposki briefed his Montenegrin counterpart on the results achieved by the country within the Macedonia-EU High Level Accession Dialogue.

At a meeting with Kosovo's Hoxhaj, the two FMs discussed ways to advance and strengthen bilateral relations, reviewing the areas in which neighbourly ties should be fostered with an emphasis on cooperation in regional initiatives. Minister Poposki underlined the readiness of Macedonia to share its positive experience related to the local self-government, decentralisation process and other elements included in the EU integration process.

While holding talks with CEI Secretary General Pfanzelter, FM Poposki presented the priorities of Macedonia's presidency with the SEE Cooperation Process (SEECP). At the same time, readiness was voiced to boost the cooperation between SEECP and CEI.

On the second day of his participation at the Bled Strategic Forum, FM Poposki will deliver an address at a panel discussion titled "EU's Challenges in South-eastern Europe" and is expected to hold several bilateral meetings.