The spouse of the President of the Republic of Macedonia, Ms. Maja Ivanova, who is accompanying the President during the official visit to the State of Qatar, today visited the “Shafallah Center for Children with Special Needs”.

Ms. Ivanova visited several departments of the “Shafallah Centre”, with particular interest in the Autism Department and the Department of Medical and Genetic Research.

She was hosted by the President of the “Shafallah Center”, Hassan Ali Bin Ali, who is also Chairman of the organization “One Billion Strong”, where Ms. Ivanova is a member of the Honorary Board. “One Billion Strong” is a global initiative to help people with disabilities, founded by Sheikha Mozah, spouse of the Emir of Qatar.During the visit, Ms. Ivanova informed Bin Ali about the existing programs for children with special needs in the Republic of Macedonia.

On this occasion, a draft Memorandum of Understanding was proposed by the “Shafallah Center” for cooperation with the Macedonian Academy of Arts and Sciences in the areas of education, science and genetics. Ms. Ivanova expressed appreciation for this proposal, which will be considered by MANU after her return to the Republic of Macedonia.

Yesterday evening, Ms. Maja Ivanova had a working dinner with the spouse of the Emir of Qatar, H.H. Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser, where they exchanged views and ideas for cooperation in areas where they are both active, especially in programs for children with special needs.