Minister of Foreign Affairs of Macedonia Mr. Nikola Poposki paid an official visit to Turkey on 14-16 May 2012 upon the invitation of Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey, Mr. Ahmet Davutoğlu.

At the meetings under the chairmanship of the Foreign Ministers of the two countries, all aspects of bilateral relations between Turkey and the Macedonia were discussed. Two sides agreed to develop a joint strategy with a view to increasing the bilateral trade volume up to $ 1 billion as soon as possible. Activities of Yunus Emre Turkish Cultural Center and Turkish International Cooperation and Development Agency (TİKA) were also addressed. Delegations also exchanged views on current regional and international issues, mainly Kosovo.

Moreover, the “Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Turkey and the Government of the Republic of Macedonia on the Travel Conditions for the Citizens of Both Countries” was signed by the Ministers.

Speaking at the joint press conference Foreign Minister Davutoğlu underlined Turkey's support for Macedonia's NATO membership in the context of its integration to the international community and said that Turkey would do its utmost for the removal of artificial barriers to NATO membership of Macedonia in a shortest time. Pointing out the excellent bilateral relations between Turkey and Macedonia, the Guest Minister stated that Turkey’s support for Macedonia's NATO membership is of great importance.

The visit of Minister of Foreign Affairs of Macedonia bears special importance since this year is the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Turkey and Macedonia. Turkey is the first country to recognize Macedonia with its constitutional name along with its national identity, and to open an Embassy in Skopje. Turkey has always advocated the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Macedonia since its independence as well as its right to identify country’s constitutional name.