FYROM’s Prime Minister Zoran Zaev who spent his New Year’s holidays in Thessaloniki at the invitation of Mayor Yiannis Boutaris, declared on Tuesday his optimism over resolving the name dispute with Greece.
Zaev said that his country and Greece will reach a solution on the issue in 2018 and hence open the way for FYROM’s membership in NATO and start accession negotiations with the EU.
"For our part, we are ready for a substantial and true engagement into resolving the name issue in the first six months of this year. I am convinced that it is possible to find a solution, but of course it is also necessary to encounter readiness from the other side," he reportedly said.
FYROM’s PM pointed to his stay in Greece for the festive season as a reflection of his good will and determination to build bridges and pursue constructive dialogue.
Zaev also said he spoke with Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias who wished him a Happy New Year.
