Romania wants to see Macedonia in the European Union and NATO very soon, said Romanian Foreign Minister Titus Corlatean after Wednesday's meeting with Macedonian counterpart Nikola Poposki.

Corlatean said a joint press conference that Alliance doors should be open for all countries that meet standards.

"Romania supports Macedonia over the start of accession talks. I am convinced the country has the capacity to meet all standards towards Euro-Atlantic integration", stressed Corlatean.

According to him, Macedonia should have the same criteria and standards to fulfill as other member-states before.

Euro-Atlantic integration remains one of Macedonia's top priorities. "We have seen a positive gesture by our Romanian friends through the creation of Group 3+4, where three Alliance members want to cooperate closely with candidates, primarily Macedonia, which contribution in NATO is highly acknowledged", said FM Poposki.

He stressed that Romania, Poland and Turkey want to achieve this as soon as possible, whereas Macedonia has contributed to the Alliance as if being a member.

The foreign ministers signed an agreement on intensification of cooperation in the fields of education, science, culture and sport.

Poposki and Corlatean said they would promote the enhancement of business communication, economic and tourism development.

They also agreed on the establishment of a body for continual talks between the ministries of foreign affairs, aimed at strengthening the bilateral and regional cooperation.

"Romania has always supported regional processes aimed at increased cooperation and confidence building. This is one of the main principles we will take into account when presiding over the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP), using Macedonian experiences on the way", underlined FM Corlatean.