The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, visited today the third exhibition of projects by young researchers - Science for Youth, which was organized by the Association of young researchers of Macedonia and the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technologies and held at the People's Office of the President of the Republic of Macedonia in Skopje.

The exhibition featured 37 exhibits, of which five by the students of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, and the rest by the award-winning elementary and high school students from Skopje, Bitola, Prilep, Kavadarci, Negotino, Strumica, Berovo, Delcevo, Veles and Gostivar at various competitions and exhibitions.

"Events such as this one today are an incentive for young people to devote their time to science. This is an appeal more young people to explore, be creative and find ways and solutions for the challenges in our lives. I call upon all young people to be dedicated as much as possible to science, to invest in themselves and in their knowledge," President Ivanov said.

The exhibition is organized on the occasion of November 10, World Science Day for Peace and Development.

"Most of the projects are in the field of natural and technical sciences and their main goal is to have an innovative component. All of them were part of different competitions and won the first place," said prof. Dr. Hristina Spasevska, President of the Federation of the Associations of Technical Culture of the Republic of Macedonia – Narodna Tehnika.

"This is encouragement for young people to start from young age to deal with science. The gesture of the President by organizing such an exhibition is aimed at encouraging the development of science among young people at very young age," said Prof. Dr. Mile Stankovski, Dean of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology.

This year's motto of the World Science Day for Peace and Development is "Quality Education - Science for Sustainable Future for All" and is an opportunity to promote science to contribute to the peace and development and to stress the need for a responsible use of science for a better society.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, met today with the Chairman of NATO's Military Committee, General Knud Bartels.

At the meeting, they exchanged views and information regarding Macedonia's Euro-Atlantic integration, participation of the Macedonian Army in peacekeeping missions led by NATO, as well as regarding the promotion and deepening of the future cooperation of the Republic of Macedonia with the North Atlantic Alliance.

President Ivanov expressed satisfaction with the cooperation of the Republic of Macedonia and NATO and assessed that the relations are at an extremely high level, adding that our country remains firmly committed to promoting peace, security and stability in our region and beyond. The Macedonian President in this context stressed the ARM participation in peacekeeping missions of NATO and added that it will continue in the future.

"The Republic of Macedonia remains fully committed to the aspirations for NATO membership for which we have already met all objective criteria, and we de facto operate and contribute as a member of NATO. It is necessary as soon as possible the Republic of Macedonia to take its rightfully deserved place in the Alliance," President Ivanov said at the meeting.

General Bartels expressed gratitude for the contribution that the Macedonian Army provides within the international peacekeeping missions, as well as for their professionalism and cooperation in the ISAF mission in Afghanistan and KFOR. In this context, General Bartels expressed readiness for further and enhanced support and cooperation with the Republic of Macedonia, as well as broadening of the cooperation with new initiatives and projects.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, attended today the sporting and cultural event "Traditional Sports Games - Sports Bon-Ton" which was held in Sveti Nikole. This project aims to promote Sports Bon-Ton as a model of integration of children of school age in the system of sports, socializing, playing and familiarizing with their traditions, cultures and customs.

Mayor Zoran Tasev, thankful for implementing the project in the municipality of Sveti Nikole, expressed his expectation that the organizers will continue to craft such interesting games and contents, aimed at entertaining children. - Our goal is to take the children out from their schoolrooms, to play together, socialize and nurture the collective spirit, to respect each other and be more dedicated to the sport, fostering the competitive spirit," Mayor Tasev said.

"We are pleased that for the first time this project includes children with special needs, because we want to establish an adaptable program for physical education which will be part of the educational process in the future," said the project coordinator, Ivan Anastasovski, adding that children's reactions showed that the project is moving in the right direction.

After the municipality of Sveti Nikole, host of the traditional sports games will be Novo Selo. Mayor Blazo Velkov said that the municipality is ready for the event and expects participation of many children.

The project Sports Bon-Ton, implemented in 2014, is organized under the auspices of the President of the Republic of Macedonia, with the support of the US Embassy. This time the project is implemented in the municipalities of Ohrid, Veles, Karpos, Sveti Nikole, Mavrovo-Rostuse and Novo Selo.

In 2013, the project "Social and Ethnic Integration through Sport (Sports Bon-Ton)" was implemented in Valandovo, Kavadarci, Rosoman, Aerodrom, Debar, Centar Zupa and Tearce, while in 2012 the project "Sport as Factor for Tolerance, Unity and Respect" was implemented in the municipalities of Tetovo, Prilep, Centar, Staro Nagorichane, Suto Orizari and Vrapciste.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, had a meeting today in Belgrade with the President of the Republic of Serbia, Mr. Tomislav Nikolic.

At the meeting, the two presidents agreed that the cooperation between the two countries is very good and that the friendly relations are being developed in the spirit of good neighborliness and close cooperation between the two nations.

President Ivanov stressed that the different views on certain issues should not hinder the good relations.

"There are indeed differences in the views we have on some issues, but it should not be an obstacle to the excellent relations. Therefore, this is a positive example in our region when two countries have some outstanding issues not to block the relations in other areas. All differences should be resolved through a dialogue," President Ivanov said after the meeting.

Macedonia and Serbia have a long historical and cultural tradition, President Ivanov added, but share identical vision to join the European family. "Of vital interest of both countries is to intensify the bilateral relations in all areas where we have common interest," the Macedonian President said.

Infrastructure was the main issue discussed at the meeting, as well as development of energy facilities and provision of energy stability in the region. A business club consisted of businessmen from both countries is in phase of establishment.

President Ivanov and President Nikolic discussed the regional and European prospects of the region.

"Therefore, we both appeal that we should turn to the future, our capacities are now directed towards economy and infrastructure so as to ensure that our people more intensively cooperate and communicate and thus their lives are improved. The European integration of our region is the best solution for us to leave behind all previous Balkan prejudices and animosities. The region has many things to leave behind and devote to young people, as investing in young people we invest in their future so that they can live in a better world," President Ivanov said.

The Serbian President Nikolic stressed that the political dialogue is intensified between the two countries in the past two years with the meetings at the highest level. He expressed appreciation for the assistance Macedonia has given to the Serbian people during the floods. "Goodness is the only thing that resists storms and historical tempests and turmoil," the Serbian President Nikolic said.

According to the Serbian President, the new agreement which is to be signed at the next joint meeting of the two governments will provide greater importance to the economic cooperation.

"There are significant opportunities for improvement and increase of trade. President Ivanov confirmed the interest in improving road infrastructure, particularly in the early completion of Corridor 10. With the completion of the work on that corridor by the end of 2016, the road and rail infrastructure through Serbia and Macedonia will be finalized," the Serbian President said.

Serbia's President Nikolic urged for adoption of an agreement on the protection of war memorials and monuments as soon as possible.

"Given that this year marks a significant jubilee, 100 years since the First World War, I think it is a good opportunity and occasion to renew the memory of our brave countrymen thanks to whose sacrifice and courage we live in peace and freedom. I urged President Ivanov to soon adopt an agreement on the protection of war monuments and memorial places where civilians were killed for their reconstruction to be implemented as soon as possible," the Serbian President said.

The Macedonian President Ivanov had a working meeting with the President of the National Assembly, Maja Gojkovic, and is set to meet in Pancevo with representatives of the Macedonian national minority in Serbia.

During the official visit to the Republic of Serbia, President Ivanov laid a wreath at the monument of the Unknown Soldier at Avala in Belgrade.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, visited the jazz workshop held in the Secondary Music School "Ilija Nikolovski – Luj" in Skopje. The workshop that is part of Apollonia Jazz Project is a joint initiative involving top jazz connoisseurs and professionals from around the world.

Associates in this year's event are the Jazz Workshop of the Music School in New York, the Apollonia Foundation in Gevgelija, the Institute for the Study of European Small States in Monaco, the Secondary Music School "Ilija Nikolovski – Luj" in Skopje, the Jazz Department at the University "Goce Delchev" in Stip and the Skopje Jazz Festival.

The "Apollonia Jazz Project" consists of a two-day seminar, workshop and performances led by Mr. Mark Momas from the New York Jazz Workshop (NYJW). Momas is the developer of the "Apollonia Jazz Workshop" aimed to introduce his authentic style of American jazz improvisation and theory to the participants and students of music. Students have the opportunity to gain valuable experience playing with professionals who participate in this event and together to explore various jazz harmonic, melodic and rhythmic elements.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, is the winner of the 2014 Award of the Foundation, which is bestowed during the Crans Montana Forum.

The award "Prix de la Fondation" is bestowed to President Ivanov for his personal contribution to the activities and achievements in all areas of the society and for his commitment to the protection of the fundamental freedoms.

"I am proud of what Macedonia is doing because it is what the world will be increasingly facing in the future, that all societies in the future will be multi-ethnic, multi-religious and multilingual. We need leaders capable of dealing with diversity. What we see in the Middle East is a result of closed-minded people who can not open their mind to recognize the differences and live with them. We live in a world that is rapidly changing. The global media, the Internet, support the global process of ethnic revival, religious revival, language revival. New communities on the Internet, Facebook, Twitter are created every day. Territory loses its meaning. These new communities live in their own worlds. Young people need to live in a world respecting and honoring the diversity. As Switzerland is a positive example of respect for diversity, Macedonia in the Balkans builds a similar, its own specific model of respect. Respect builds on tolerance. Therefore, we must promote the respect for diversity so as to prevent events like those in the crisis hotspots, which infect young people and disrespect diversity," President Ivanov said, adding that the prestigious award is recognition for the Republic of Macedonia and the Macedonian people.

This year, despite President Ivanov, Foundation Award winners are the Secretary General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon, the Chairman of the Bosnia and Herzegovina Presidency, Bakir Izetbegovic, the former Prime Minister of Senegal, Aminata Toure, and Herve Gourdel, posthumously.

Previous winners of this prestigious award are current and future European Commission Presidents, Jose Manuel Barroso and Jean-Claude Juncker, the former UN Secretary General, Boutros Boutros Ghali, the former Prime Minister of Israel, Yitzhak Rabin, the former President of Afghanistan, Hamid Karzai, the former President of Romania, Ion Iliescu, the former Prime Minister of Serbia, Zoran Djindjic, as well as Richard Holbrooke, Lech Walesa, Benazir Bhutto and other world leaders and prominent political and social life figures.

Prix de la Fondation is awarded since 1989 during the Crans Montana Forum in recognition of social responsibility and contribution to global growth and development.