Turkey's Foreign Ministry spokesman Hami Aksoy relating to the consultative referendum held in Macedonia about the agreement of the name issue with Greece stated that Turkey will continue to support the welfare and security of this "friendly state "as well as its membership in the European Union (EU) and NATO, Turkish state agency reports (Anadolu Agency).
Aksoy responded in a written statement to the question addressed to the Turkish Foreign Ministry regarding the referendum held in Macedonia.Expressing that Turkey has recognized the Republic of Macedonia since its independence with its current constitutional name, Aksoy said, "We will continue to support the well-being and security of the Macedonian state of Macedonia as well as its accession to the EU and NATO".
On September 30 in Macedonia was held a consultative referendum on the acceptance of the Prespa Agreement, which foresees Macedonia to change its name in the Republic of North Macedonia. In this referendum to the people was asked the question "Are you for EU and NATO membership with the agreement between Macedonia and Greece?".
The referendum, rated as the key to EU and NATO membership, did not reach the voter census or the participation of over 50 percent of the country's voters, although 91.46 percent of the voters said "yes" to the deal.
For the approval of the Prespa Agreement signed with Greece, it is necessary the support of two-thirds of the deputies in the Macedonian Parliament.