The start of EU accession negotiations with the Republic of Macedonia in the context of the forthcoming December meetings of the Council of the European Union and of the European Council were discussed Monday at the meeting between FM Nikola Poposki and Cyprus Foreign Minister Erato Kozakou-Marcoullis, who pays a visit to Skopje in her capacity as chair of the General Affairs Council of the EU.

After the meeting Poposki said that they discussed several topics of regional significance as well as the importance of the next Council of the European Union and decisions which are to be passed in direction to enlargement.

It is important to keep the pace with the dynamic which is defined by the EU accession criteria. We have emphasised the accomplishments in the reforms and the fact that European Commission recommended for fourth time a start of EU accession negotiations as well as Macedonia's commitment to continue in this direction, hoping that it will be important for entire European Union, Poposki said.

Kozakou-Marcoullis shortly stated that she is in Skopje as chair of the European Union and that the talks with Poposki will continue during working lunch.

In the statement issued by Ministry of Foreign Affairs Poposki said that at the meeting he reiterated Macedonia's preparedness to enter next phase of accession process in line with EC recommendation that the start of EU accession negotiations is necessary, as well as about further consolidation of reform process and strengthening inter-ethnic cohesion, keeping credibility of the EU and its enlargement policy towards the Balkans. He also expressed expectations that member-states of the Council of the EU will be led by these arguments, by common European interest and will pass decision for start of EU accession negotiations with Macedonia in December.

Kozakou-Marcoullis reaffirmed the commitment of the Cyprus EU Presidency for dynamics in the enlargement process of the candidate countries based on fulfilling the necessary requirements. He emphasised importance of good neighbourly relations as one of the fundamental values of the European integration.

Kozakou-Marcoullis today will also meet with President Gjorge Ivanov and Deputy PM for European Affairs Teuta Arifi.