Macedonia is committed to UN-mediated negotiations on the imposed name dispute and the principle of respecting the international law, including the ruling of the International Court of Justice regarding the open issue with the southern neighbour – as one of the fundamental principles for maintaining the peace, stability, prosperity, good-neighbourliness and respect of human rights, which should be the base of the country's Euro-Atlantic integration, Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski said Wednesday in Brussels at a joint press conference with NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen.

"Today I have had an opportunity for a constructive and productive meeting with Mr. Rasmussen. We have exchanged opinions on Macedonia's progress related to its Euro-Atlantic integration processes, the Membership Action Plan and political-security issues of mutual interest in the run up of NATO Summit, scheduled for September 4-5 in Wales. I've presented the overall reform results of our country, especially the political, economic and defense achievements," Gruevski said.

He reaffirmed Macedonia's strategic determination to NATO membership and full commitment to that effect. Gruevski said he and Rasmussen reviewed the current developments related to the national reforms in the light of the situation within NATO and agreed that Macedonia's membership was a mutual interest and firm commitment of both the country and the Alliance.

Gruevski also highlighted Macedonia's readiness for further support of NATO-led international peace missions, in particular the post-ISAF in Afghanistan, dubbed ‘Resolute Support.

Macedonia's accession to NATO is well-deserved, based on arguments, and one that will bring benefit to both the country and the Alliance, Gruevski said.

Rasmussen on his part praised the excellent cooperation between the Alliance and Macedonia.

"We highly value your strong contribution to ISAF and your help with lines of communications for KFOR in Kosovo.  You are a strong contributor to international security",he said.

In regard to Macedonia's reforms, Rasmussen said keeping of their momentum was of vital importance.

"Effective democratic structures, an inclusive dialogue and freedom of the media are important in helping you advance your Euro-Atlantic aspirations. Cooperation between government and opposition, and across all communities, remains essential to deliver the full potential of reforms," Rasmussen said.

The Alliance, he said, very much welcomes Macedonia’s firm commitment to the NATO accession process.

"We have agreed to extend an invitation for you to join the Alliance as soon as a mutually acceptable resolution to the name issue has been reached. We stand by our commitments. So we will continue to work closely with you. To support you in essential reform efforts, so that we can move quickly once the name issue is resolved. And we encourage you to continue your efforts to find a solution", he said.

All Allies agree that NATO's Open Door policy has made Europe more secure and that accession to the Alliance should be based on performance, the NATO Secretary General said.

"There is still work to be done. But our door remains open", he said.