Macedonia has a natural right to use its constitutional name under which it became an independent state. We see the Greek position as unreasonable and unjust. We cannot comprehend any additions such as upper, lower or northern. We live in a global world where peace and understanding should prevail, said Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan at Thursday's joint press conference with Macedonian counterpart Nikola Gruevski.

Erdogan urged for Macedonia's deserved place in NATO and EU, saying that Turkey would continue to support the country in the European and Euro-Atlantic integration process.

Pertaining to Macedonia's efforts for EU membership, the Turkish PM stressed that the country makes swift progress, promotes stability and prosperity, implements its commitments, and that is why it will become part of the EU sooner than Turkey.

The two PMs stressed Macedonia and Turkey do not have any open political issues, close bilateral cooperation will be enhanced, whereas commercial-economic cooperation and exchange will intensify.

PM Gruevski emphasized the excellent bilateral relations, which is best confirmed through the Agreement on Strategic Partnership.

He thanked Turkey for its strong support to Macedonia's NATO accession, as well as the respect of the identity and the constitutional name.

Erdogan said both countries have mutual history and culture, recognized through friendship among people.

Gruevski and Erdogan agreed that economic cooperation and commercial exchange, which amounts to approximately US$ 400 million in 2011, could intensify.

President Ivanov meets Turkish PM Erdogan

President Gjorge Ivanov held talks Thursday with Turkey's Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Interlocutors praised the high level of overall political relations between the Republic of Macedonia and the Republic of Turkey being strengthened by a spirit of friendship, a high level of trust and lack of open issues, President's cabinet said in a press release.

Talks also focused on countries' collaboration in a number of areas and it was concluded that relations between Macedonia and Turkey might serve as an example of positive cooperation amongst countries in the region.

Extending gratitude for the support provided by Turkey within NATO, President Ivanov noted that Macedonia - which has already met NATO membership conditions - was appreciating Turkey's involvement on the matter. Views and information were also shared on the progress made by both countries on their road to EU integration. PM Erdogan underscored that Macedonia could always count on Turkey's unconditional support, reads the press release.

PM Erdogan said efforts were being made on additionally intensifying economic cooperation with Macedonia. President Ivanov said he was encouraged by the level of Turkish investments in Macedonia and the region. Turkey's emerging economy opens serious opportunities for Macedonia, according to Ivanov.

Close cultural ties between the two countries and contacts between ethnic communities has significantly contributed to the Macedonian-Turkish traditional friendship and cooperation, interlocutors concluded. President Ivanov highlighted the common past of all Balkan states and the need of pinpointing the traditions that bring us closer - traditions of cooperation, coexistence and openness, reads the press release.

Parliament Speaker Veljanoski meets with Turkish Premier

Parliament Speaker Trajko Veljanoski held a meeting Thursday with visiting Turkish Premier, Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Veljanoski at the meeting voiced content with the favourable and cordial ties between the two countries. He thanked for Turkey's consistent and constructive support and its solidarity with Macedonia in the Euro-Atlantic integration and particularly for using the constitutional name of Macedonia in bilateral relations and at international level.

Veljanoski said that enhancement of political ties was of great benefit for the citizens which was being reaffirmed by expanding economic cooperation as well, Parliament's press services says.

Turkey is one of the most important trade partners with a trade exchange amounting to $310 million in 2010, which is expected to reach 400 million by year's end. In this regard, the Speaker said he was satisfied with the opening of Skopje's overhauled airport, Alexander the Great, which is managed by Turkey's TAV company.

Parliament's Speaker also focused on cooperation in defense and Turkey's logistical support in equipping, educating and training the Macedonian Army.

With respect to EU-Atlantic integration processes, Veljanoski voiced gratitude for the Turkish open and strong support for Macedonia's NATO integration bid.

Moreover, he thanked for Turkey's stance regarding the row with Greece involving Macedonia's constitutional name and for its vigorous protests to foreign pressure urging Macedonia to change its constitutional name. Speaker Veljanoski reaffirmed country's support for Turkey's efforts to join the European Union, reads the press release.

The Turkish PM referred to several aspects of the bilateral successful cooperation, emphasising further investments, overall economic coopperation and lifting of barriers for successful running of businesses. He pledged further support in the field of defense, security and logistical support.

Considering the Euro-Atlantic integration processes, PM Erdogan vowed to support and encourage the future EU and NATO integration of Macedonia, reads the press release

Turkish Premier Erdogan visits Tetovo

Turkey's Premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan took part at Friday prayers held in Tetovo-based Painted Mosque after which he addressed those present as he was visiting the city in northwestern Macedonia.

Speaking at the mosque, Erdogan said that after visiting Tetovo 11 years ago as soon as completing his prison term, the Justice and Development Party had been established.

"In 2002 the party assumed power and I can tell you that in 2023 - a century since the establishment of the Republic of Turkey - we will be one of the ten most developed economies worldwide. We can never forget you since there are grandchildren of Ottoman descendants amongst you. Our brothers live in Bosnia, in Pristina and Prizren and in Skopje, Bitola, Ohrid, Debar, Tetovo," the Turkish PM said.

He noted that yesterday's talks with Macedonian state officials - with PM Nikola Gruevski, President Gjorge Ivanov and others - were held in a cordial atmosphere and dialogue.

"I urge you to keep on being united and strong and to not be segregated, because we share common civilisation values. I don't like Turks only because they are Turks, or Albanian for being Albanian and Macedonian for being Macedonia, but because all human beings have been created by one God," Erdogan told the citizens.

The PM accompanied by ministers, deputies and mayors as well as by famous Turkish football player Hakan Shukur and Istanbul mayor Kadir Topbas put into use a facility for the Tetovo muftiat of the Islamic Religious Community.

Turkish PM Erdogan visits Gostivar

Turkish Premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan was greeted on Friday by thousands of people in the region of Gostivar as he was accompanied by numerous ministers, deputies and mayors as well as by famous Turkish football player Hakan Shukur and Istanbul mayor Kadir Topbas.

Speaking at a gathering held outside the Culture Center in Gostivar, the PM conveyed messages of coexistence, underscoring that "the strength equals unity."

Erdogan also voiced encouragement in relation to economy reinforcement. "Macedonia even though is a small country can achieve significant economic growth," he said.

Security measures were heightened during his tour of the Gostivar region.

Earlier in the day, Erdogan was in Tetovo and he is wrapping up his two-day visit to Macedonia in Ohrid.