Slovenia remains a strong supporter of Macedonia's Euro-integration. Bilateral relations are excellent and friendly, based on the long-standing constructive cooperation and mutual support, agreed countries' Prime Ministers Nikola Gruevski and Alenka Bratusek at Wednesday's meeting.

"Slovenia will continue, as before, to support Macedonia and other Balkan countries in their efforts to get closer to the EU", said PM Bratusek after the meeting.

Bratusek congratulated Macedonia over its achievements in the EU accession process, expressing belief in the name row settlement.

This problem should be solved soon and a dialogue is the only way to that effect in a democratic society, Bratusek said.

PM Gruevski stressed that Slovenia had been a sincere supporter of Macedonia's European and Euro-Atlantic integration processes and the reforms, as well as partner in all fields of mutual interest, such as economy, trade and investments.

"I expressed my gratitude for the support with regards to our European and Euro-Atlantic integration by the country we hold in high esteem. I reiterated our primary goal - the EU and NATO membership - hoping that our efforts in meeting criteria, as recognized by the (European Commission) positive reports, will be appropriately acknowledged by opening of the accession talks", said Gruevski, adding the only open issue preventing the country in this regard is the name row with Greece.

If the European Council fails to set a date for Macedonia's accession talks, the country will continue to work on its overall prosperity, the PM said.

"Simultaneously we shall work on overcoming the main problem that deprives the country from opening of the accession talks, namely the opposition of our southern neighbour. We offer open, direct dialogue which thus far has not been getting positive feedback from our southern neighbour," Gruevski said.

He expressed hope that the other EU countries were monitoring the name negotiations process and would help in surpassing the current situation. Macedonia will hold to its constructive approach towards finding a solution to this problem, Gruevski said.

He stressed the launch of the accession talks would have a positive effect on Macedonian citizens, but also regional stability and development, as well as the credibility of the EU enlargement process.

Both PMs agreed that there was a room for bolstering the bilateral cooperation, especially in the economic field, with a business forum scheduled for January of next year.