Republic of Macedonia can count on the support of new European Council President Donald Tusk regarding its EU accession, said Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski after Friday's meeting.

"The meeting focused on EU and Macedonia's priorities, as well as the procedures towards our sooner accession in the Union. I referred to the numerous reforms and efforts we invest in diverse sectors, including judiciary, administration, education, and economy", said Gruevski.

Tusk saluted Macedonia's progress in the economic field and the fact that the country has the second-largest growth in Europe after the UK.

Interlocutors also tackled the main obstacle in Macedonia's EU accession, with Council President Tusk expressing his support to the country.

"Tusk has always supported Macedonia's EU accession, i.e. the start of accession talks. However, this decision does not depend on him alone, but all member-states. He can provide assistance through his post, but the decision over the opening of Macedonia's accession talks requires consent by all EU members. We need to continue to implement reforms and work on finding a way to overcome the name issue with our southern neighbor", underlined PM Gruevski.