Prime Minister Zoran Zaev met Tuesday with the Ambassador of the Russian Federation, Oleg Shcherbak, for talks on the priorities of the new government in Macedonia and on ways to foster cooperation between the countries on a democratic basis in the areas deemed important for the citizens of the two nations.

"The priority of the Republic of Macedonia is to join the EU and NATO. To that end, we are focused on a swift and quality-based reform process. Macedonia's objective is to strengthen its partnership with our friends in the spirit of democratic values and advancement of the quality of living standards".

Zaev and Shcherbak concluded that conditions were in place to improve business ties between the countries, stated the press release. An enhanced cooperation in the sphere of economy, trade, culture and education could benefit the citizens of the two countries, the PM stated.

Moreover, Ambassador Shcherbak, on behalf of Russia's PM Dmitry Medvedev, congratulated Zaev on his appointment as premier, whereas Zaev congratulated the ambassador on Russia Day - the national holiday of the Russian Federation celebrated on June 12.