Visit to Macedonia would be possible only after settlement of the name issue, says Greek President Karolos Papoulias in the letter responding to Macedonian counterpart Gjorge Ivanov's invitation for a visit to the Republic of Macedonia.

"I read Your letter with interest. Greece strongly supports friendly and good-neighborly relations with all neighboring countries, including Yours. I would like to visit fyR Macedonia without having the obstacle of the unresolved name issue", says Papoulias.

He would not like to suggest what is in Macedonia's interest, but firmly believes that the situation must be assessed in a realistic way.

"Solution to the name issue will be beneficial for the legitimate aspirations of Your people. I must stress that the longer the search for a name solution, the longer fyR Macedonia's accession to EU and NATO remains unresolved. I hope to have the opportunity to visit Your country as soon as this difference is in the past", says Papoulias in the letter.

President Ivanov sent the invitation to his Greek counterpart on November 4, aimed at providing a strong impulse in the strengthening of good neighborly relations.