Josipovic arrived in Skopje on Monday for a day-long official visit to Macedonia, at the invitation of Ivanov. The two presidents talked about the Euro-Atlantic integration processes of Croatia and Macedonia, the situation in the region, bilateral relations and the strengthening of economic cooperation.

There are no outstanding issues in relations between Croatia and Macedonia, Josipovic and Ivanov told a news conference, underlining that Croatia-Macedonia relations could set an example in the region.

Ivanov congratulated Croatia on its upcoming admission to the European Union. Josipovic expressed Croatia's readiness to continue to assist Macedonia on its Euro-Atlantic path. They advocated the deepening of economic cooperation, notably a more efficient implementation of an agreement on the mutual protection of minority rights.

Commenting on the dispute with Greece over Macedonia's name, which is the main obstacle to Skopje's integration with Euro-Atlantic associations, Josipovic said that the case of Croatia and Slovenia concerning the sea border dispute was a good example of how to resolve contentious issues, adding that Croatia would welcome a solution to that problem.

Ivanov stressed that frequent meetings between Macedonian and Greek premiers gave hope that the issue concerning Macedonia's name would soon be settled.

After talking to his host, Josipovic and his associates laid a wreath at the grave of Goce Delcev, an important 19th century revolutionary figure in the then Ottoman ruled Macedonia, and held talks with Macedonian Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski and Parliament Speaker Trajko Veljanovski.

Later today, Josipovic is scheduled to meet Croatian businessmen in Macedonia and representatives of the Croatian community in Macedonia.

Hina