EU and NATO membership are Macedonia's strategic goals and Bulgaria's support in this regard is of exceptional significance, said Defense Minister Zoran Jolevski after Tuesday's meeting with host Angel Naydenov.

Jolevski said the Republic of Bulgaria supported Macedonia's aspirations, whereas his first official visit as defense minister to the neighboring, friendly country confirmed the excellent between the two ministries.

"We will continue to strengthen the cooperation towards achieving these priorities in Macedonia's foreign policy. The country's EU and NATO integration will contribute to the enhancement of stability, security and prosperity of Macedonia, the region and Europe in general. Therefore, Bulgaria's support is very significant, while intensive communication will contribute to greater approximation of countries, armies and people", stressed Jolevski.

Minister Naydenov said cooperation in the defense field could be taken as a positive example, with opportunities for its further enhancement.

"Bulgaria supports Macedonia's European and Euro-Atlantic integration. We expect the country to meet all membership criteria, including the principle of good neighborly relations", said Naydenov, adding the signing of an agreement of good neighborly relations and cooperation remained a priority.

The two countries have signed a plan for military cooperation in 2014, focusing on meetings and exchange of experiences in the field of Euro-Atlantic integration.

Later in the day, Minister Jolevski is set to meet Parliament Speaker Mihail Mikov, and Atanas Merdzhanov, Chair of the Internal Security and Public Order Parliamentary Committee.