TIRANA, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- Slovenian Prime Minister Borut Pahor reasserted on Sunday that his country would fully support Macedonia's efforts to join the European Union (EU) and NATO.

    "One of the reasons for my visit is to show that Slovenia hasn't changed its position on supporting Macedonia's efforts to join the EU and NATO," said Pahor, who is on a working visit to Macedonia.

    Pahor also pointed out the 19-year-long name dispute between Macedonia and Greece is the main obstacle to the realization of the country's goals to join the two organizations.

    Athens has been opposed to its northern neighbor being called Macedonia, claiming that the name implies territorial claims against Greece's own northern province, also called Macedonia.

    "As long as the name row remains unsettled, there will be problems. But I believe Macedonian government is capable with its authority and vision to find a solution to the issue, and I am ready to help." Pahor said.