The conversation, which took place in an open and positive atmosphere, was also attended by MP Stephan Albani, Chairman of the Parliamentary Friendship Group for Relations with the States of South-Eastern Europe, and Matthias Lüttenberg from the German Chancellery. Progress and challenges of the negotiations on the name issue, the implementation of reforms in Macedonia, inter-ethnic relations and the influence of external actors in the region were the main topics of discussion.

Dr. Pöttering pointed out that the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung highly appreciates all efforts towards an amicable resolution of the name issue with Greece. He also assured his interlocutors of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung`s support for meetings between representatives of Macedonia and Greece on different levels. At the same time, he stressed the necessity of an inclusive dialogue within society, taking into account all relevant groups of civil society and political forces in the country.