Romania remains a staunch supporter of Macedonia on its road to EU membership, Romanian Prime Minister Victor Ponta told his Macedonian counterpart Nikola Gruevski during their meeting in Bucharest.

Romania's support for the Macedonian aspirations to join the EU and NATO was upheld at Monday's meeting.

PM Gruevski presented to his Romanian counterpart the progress made by Macedonia in its EU and NATO integration process and the obstacles the country has been facing involving its NATO accession and the opening of EU accession talks.

"It is crucial that the Romanian premier without a doubt has expressed support for Macedonia joining NATO and opening EU negotiations as soon as possible. I've informed him about the reforms and progress the country has made and our commitment to certain issues that have been noted. Romania remains our supporter when it comes to becoming a member of these organizations," Gruevski stated after the meeting.

The two premiers also discussed ways to intensify business and trade collaboration and reviewed Macedonia's investment conditions. Gruevski invited his Romanian counterpart to visit Macedonia with a business delegation in a bid to boost the countries' trade relations.

"PM Ponta said he might visit Macedonia next year accompanied by a large business delegation in an attempt to encourage the companies in the two countries to find ways for better economic cooperation," Gruevski said.

The two premiers met ahead of Tuesday's summit of leaders from China and Central and Eastern European countries taking place in Bucharest.