Uniting of all Macedonians living abroad is necessary for realization of the country's strategic, national interests, Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski said Sunday at a meeting with Macedonian emigrants in Australia, who, as he said 'are inseparable part of the Macedonian tissue and state'.

- You and us share the same goal and idea - to help Macedonia. On the eve of my arrival here I got many messages who to invite, meet and I have decided to invite all Macedonians. I am happy to see you here together, united, as we cannot realize our goal if divided...Differences exist, but when we speak about strategic, national interests the unity is a must...This is something that makes a difference between powerful and less powerful countries, something that may bring progress to us, Gruevski said. 

Macedonians in Australia enjoy a unique opportunity to live together with their Aegean, Pirin compatriots, which is not the case in their native country, Gruevski said, calling them to not divide on these grounds as there are no Vardar, Aegean, Pirin Macedonians, but only Macedonians.

He also called for the Diaspora's unity over the name issue, saying that the negotiations on this matter will resume towards a settlement that brings no harm to the Macedonian national interests, language, nation, culture, integrity, identity, pride and dignity, and will become valid only if embraced by citizens at a referendum.

- We have been imposed to numerous acts of blackmail, but we don't succumb. I am sorry to say that many domestic politicians, public figures have been involved in these acts - something that substantially undermined our position. We say our national interest is finding a solution to dispute, being imposed to us and bringing us a lot of damages. That solution will help the country and its citizens, Gruevski said.

The policy of blockades gives no results, he added, expressing hope that the situation is developing in the right direction.

He extended gratitude to the Macedonian Diaspora on the promotion of the Macedonian identity in Australia by setting up many associations, NGOs, chambers of commerce, thus contributing to nourishing the Macedonian spirit and enabling to future generations to be familiar with the Macedonian language, culture, roots and values.

He also briefed on tomorrow's signing of Macedonia-Australia social agreement, which actually meets the request of Macedonian emigrants to Australia, as well as on the possibility for them to vote at the next presidential, parliamentary elections and hence have a representative at the Parliament of their country of origin.

The PM also referred to the Government's strategic priorities, namely attraction of foreign investments, better living standard, NATO, EU membership...

We have been working hard to realize these objectives and make some progress, Gruevski said, pointing out the need of additional engagement in this respect.

Tomorrow, Gruevski and his Australian counterpart Kevin Rudd will sing a social insurance agreement, which enables Macedonians, living and working in Australia, to exercise their rights, deriving from the pension, disability insurance.