The name row was on the agenda of Thursday's meeting between Foreign Minister Nikola Poposki and Greek counterpart Evangelos Venizelos, who pays a visit to Macedonia in the capacity of EU Council of Ministers chairman.

"It is a topic we need to discuss, because this is the crucial obstacle on our path towards EU and NATO. I do not believe there is political climate at this time for essential commitment from the other side. In any case, we will be committed to the things we can control - reforms for a better Macedonia. We remain open for dialogue at any time, any place and in any format", said FM Poposki.

He stressed that international rule of law, undertaken commitments, sincere and open political dialogue were the only way to move the issue forward.

Poposki voiced expectation that Greece would move the Macedonia's Euro-integration process forward as EU Presidency holder, although Athens has opposed this for the past five years. In this context, he stressed that the High-Level Accession Dialogue was a useful instrument enabling parallel work on reforms, but also concrete projects with neighbors.

According to Poposki, Macedonia is open for dialogue and one cannot question the country's readiness to solve the name issue.

"We have been put in a situation to respect imposed agreements on the grounds of fabricated disputes. Despite all of this, we are open for dialogue at any time", said the FM.

Pertaining to Venizelos' absence from the press conference, taking into consideration his previous joint conferences with other Balkan counterparts during his tour, Poposki said he "maybe dislikes the background", meaning the official name of the Republic of Macedonia and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs written on a board behind the speakers.

Greek FM Venizelos also met with Vice Premier and European Affairs Fatmir Besimi.

Vce Premier Besimi urged for acceleration of the process of Macedonia and Western Balkan EU integration, saying the visit represented an excellent opportunity for discussion on the process and enhancement of cooperation.

Interlocutors also referred to intensification of cross-border cooperation, but also finding innovative ways to cooperate in the coming structural funds.

Later in the day, he is set to meet with President Gjorge Ivanov, Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski, as well as DUI and SDSM leaders, Ali Ahmeti and Zoran Zaev respectively.