(ANSA) - SKOPJE, July 25 - EU Commissioner for Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn said today in Skopje that he is convinced that North Macedonia will be able to start its membership talks with the EU in October. Local media reported.

In a joint press conference after meeting with the Macedonian premier Zoran Zaev, Hahn said that Skopje satisfied all the EU's requirements and that the country is on the right path towards the Euro-Atlantic alliance.

"I expect this work to be completed in October. We initially expected the conclusion in June, but we did not receive positive feedback, but that does not mean we should lose hope. This country has done a lot and is a good example of commitment to reforms", said Hahn.

After talks with PM Zaev, Hahn will meet with Macedonian President Stevo Pendarovski, some government representatives, and some leaders of Macedonian political parties.

Tonight Hahn will move to Belgrade, where today and tomorrow he will meet Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Prime Minister Ana Brnabic. In the Serbian capital, the commissioner will also take part in the Youth Sports Awards ceremony. (ANSA).