The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, attended yesterday the opening of the general debate of the 73rd General Assembly of the United Nations in New York.  The topic this year is: "Making the United Nations relevant to all people: Global Leadership and Shared Responsibilities for Peaceful, Equitable and Sustainable Societies".

In the framework of the UN General Assembly, the Macedonian President held bilateral meetings with Jordan's King Abdullah II with, Vladimir Voronkov, UN Under Secretary-General for Counter-Terrorism and Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Holy See's Secretary for Relations with States.

At the meeting with the Jordanian King Abdullah II, opinions were exchanged on the overall bilateral relations between the Republic of Macedonia and the Kingdom of Jordan, and it was mutually agreed that the two countries nurture friendly and partnership relations without open issues.

President Ivanov stressed the interest of the Republic of Macedonia for further promotion of bilateral contacts through meetings at a higher level, as well as the need for more frequent contacts and exchange of delegations from both countries at different levels.

At the meeting, President Ivanov said that the Republic of Macedonia closely monitors the developments in the region and supports efforts for achieving lasting peace in the Middle East.

The two interlocutors exchanged views on the internal political situation and the regional situation and priorities of the two countries.

President Ivanov stressed the interest of the Republic of Macedonia in promoting economic cooperation and expanding the volume of trade in all fields, which, as pointed out at the meeting, requires institutional support from both countries for establishing contacts and exchange of information between the business sectors.

At the meeting, the two interlocutors expressed readiness for further cooperation and support on a multilateral level.

At the meeting with Under Secretary Voronkov, views and information were exchanged on Macedonia's role in the fight against international terrorism, constant and direct threats from terrorist networks.

At the meeting, President Ivanov conveyed the interest of the Republic of Macedonia for participation of civilian and military personnel in the United Nations bodies that create policies for dealing with global threats.

Under Secretary Voronkov thanked for the participation of the Republic of Macedonia and its contribution to the comprehensive strategy for combating terrorism and fighting violent extremism, emphasizing that in the next period, he will propose appropriate package for institutional strengthening of the Balkan countries and participation in projects for greater security.

At the meeting with Archbishop Gallagher, opinions on the overall bilateral relations between the Republic of Macedonia and the Holy See were exchanged, and satisfaction with the increased dynamics of meetings and high level visits was expressed.

The two interlocutors exchanged views on the ongoing initiatives aimed at deepening mutual cooperation.

Archbishop Gallagher welcomed the fact that, although the Catholic community in the Republic of Macedonia is small, it is still highly respected, assessing it as a confirmation of the Macedonian model of interreligious coexistence.

Stressing that the Republic of Macedonia has a profound tradition of respecting different religious sentiments, President Ivanov stressed the constructive role of the Catholic Church as an important pillar of inter-ethnic and inter-religious coexistence.

President Ivanov expressed hope that Pope Francis will accept the open invitation to visit the Republic of Macedonia, which would be of great importance for the promotion of bilateral relations, for the Catholic community in the Republic of Macedonia and in general for all Christian believers.

President Ivanov is scheduled to address the 73rd General Assembly of the United Nations on Thursday.