Greece and Macedonian bilateral relations have been steadily improving. Though Greece hasnt quite agreed to calling Macedonia Macedonia the new trade ties and defense ties are forged by common interests. Greece objects to the name Macedonia since its northern province is also called Macedonia. Greece forced the UN to call Macedonia the FYROM, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. How much have relations improved? Macedonian Deputy Prime Minister Radmila Secerinska told AFP "Greece is our most important friend and ally in the region... (Austin Bay)