The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, at a ceremony held at the Charles University in Prague, the Czech Republic, received the 2014 Freedom Award of the Fund for American Studies.

The American Institute on Political and Economic Systems of the Fund for American Studies selected President Ivanov to receive the award for his achievements in promoting economic freedom, reducing tax and unemployment rates, increasing transparency and improving public education.

According to President Ivanov, the award of the Fund for American Studies based in Washington shows that Macedonia is a role model in the region of implementing reforms.

"This award is not only an honor, but a commitment. Commitment to promote the ideas of freedom, democracy and prosperity. This award is not only for me personally, but is an award for the Republic of Macedonia, because all the reforms are recognized, all endeavors, everything that Macedonia does to have a successful economy. All the reforms undertaken bring results and that is observed and rewarded. Thus, Macedonia in this respect, through this award, is a positive example in the region of how the reforms should be implemented in the sphere of economy, to be more successful and more jobs to be opened for young people, a problem that is not just ours, but of the entire continent," said President Ivanov in Prague.

"President Ivanov implemented political reforms which led to the improvement of the judicial system, promoted transparency and reduced corruption. These political and economic reforms brought Macedonia closer to meeting the standards for joining the European Union. In the field of regional cooperation in political and economic terms, President Ivanov significantly expanded the diplomatic ties of Macedonia, holding more than 200 bilateral meetings with heads of state and more than 150 meetings with prime ministers and foreign ministers," said Mr. William Bill Hybl, presenting the award for President Ivanov.

The Freedom Award of the Fund for American Studies is awarded each year to outstanding leaders from eastern and central Europe for their achievements in promoting democratic values and economic freedom in their region.

Previous award winners include the former Serbian Prime Minister, Zoran Djindjic, the former Serbian President, Boris Tadic, the former President of the Czech Republic, Vaclav Klaus, the former Polish President, Lech Walesa, and the former Spanish Prime Minister, Jose Aznar.

The prestigious Fund, based in Washington, founded in 1967, organizes programs for students from the US, Europe, Middle East, Asia and Latin America whose interests include areas such as political leadership, journalism, foreign affairs, business etc.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, accompanied by the Minister of Defense, Dr. Zoran Jolevski and the Chief of Staff of the Macedonian Army, Lieutenant General Goranco Koteski, today, in the "Goce Delchev" barracks in Skopje, attended the promotion the 14th class of cadets from the Military Academy "General Mihailo Apostolski".

During the promotion, President Ivanov, Minister Jolevski and General Koteski, awarded the best ranking cadets in the class, Nenad Dubljevic, Ilija Srebrenov and Eleonora Naunovska, for the success they have achieved.

At the ceremony, 34 cadets of the 14th class were promoted to the rank of sub-lieutenant and two of them, from the aviation, to lieutenants. Within this class, 28 cadets are from the Republic of Macedonia, while six are from Montenegro. As far as gender representation is concerned, out of 34 cadets, 10 are female.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the first ASNOM session, hosted today a reception for the National Liberation Struggle Veterans.

On the eve of our greatest holiday Ilinden, the Macedonian President expressed gratitude to the veterans of the National and anti-fascist struggle, emphasizing their critical role in achieving the dream of many generations. "We are here today thanks to you and your struggle to free Macedonia", said President Ivanov, adding that we should be proud of everything done by the generations before us, leaving us the vow to respect freedom, to protect the country and to leave it to our descendants even more developed and prosperous.

On behalf of the Association of Veterans, Dr. Trajko Stamatovski, expressed gratitude to the Macedonian President for the honor and his support, saying that the deeds of the National Liberation Struggle fighters, their perseverance and sacrifice must not be forgotten.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, received today the recognition "Special Golden Plaque" which was presented to him by the National Council of the Macedonian National Community in Serbia for his outstanding contribution to the preservation of the identity of the Macedonians in the Republic of Serbia.

President Ivanov stressed that this award is a great honor and pleasure for him.

"It is evident that everything we do in our country is positively reflected in the Diaspora. The Republic of Macedonia, as before, will continue to take care of the Macedonians in the Diaspora, and I will continue to support the National Council, because every success of the Macedonian organizations in the Diaspora is a success for the Republic of Macedonia," President Ivanov said at the meeting.

The National Council of the Macedonian National Community in Serbia decided to award this recognition to President Ivanov for his efforts and selfless personal commitment to the preservation of the name, honor, identity, tradition and culture of the Macedonian people in the world. The Golden Plaque is awarded to the Macedonian President on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the institutional organization of the Macedonians in Serbia, ahead of the national holiday, August 2 - Ilinden.

"President Ivanov always finds time to meet with us and listen to the challenges our organization is facing and help in overcoming the same, something that we highly appreciate. We will continue to represent Macedonia's interests and be the best ambassadors of the Republic of Macedonia in the Republic of Serbia," the President of the National Council, Borche Velickovski, said.

The meeting discussed the overall situation of the Macedonians in Serbia and Borche Velickovski informed President Ivanov on their priorities and challenges they face, as well as the activities of the National Council related to the printing of the first school books in Macedonian with national culture elements for first and second grade.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, in the village of Skudrinje, the municipality of Mavrovo-Rostuse, attended the Iftar, on the eve of the Ramadan Bairam holiday.

"Ever since my election as president, I have established a practice to attend the Iftar every year. This year I am in the Reka region, with the local people living there. I am happy that today we visited most of the villages in this area. I wish you all the best. May you spend these days in harmony, unity and solidarity! Help all who need help!," President Ivanov said at the Iftar dinner.

In the presence of the Mayor of the Municipality of Mavrovo-Rostuse, Mr. Mukrem Mehmedi, and the Director of the National Park "Mavrovo", Mr. Oner Jakupovski, President Ivanov during the day visited the villages of Zirovnica, Velebrdo, Trebiste and Vrben and discussed the current situation in this region with the locals.

President Ivanov exchanged views with the municipal management and local population on the overall economic potential of the settlements in the municipality. It was commonly assessed that the National Park "Mavrovo" is a perspective for tourism development in this region.

At the same time, President Ivanov expressed his willingness to support initiatives and proposals aimed at further development of this region.

On this occasion, President Ivanov congratulated the residents of Zirovnica, Velebrdo, Trebiste and Skudrinje the holy month of Ramadan and, ahead of Ramadan Bairam, wished them good health and many successes.

In the village of Vrben, President Ivanov attended the final match of the local soccer tournament.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, received today the members of the women's chamber choir "St. Zlata of Meglen". Occasion for the meeting with the Macedonian President was the success of the choir – two gold and one silver medal won at the World Choir Games, held in Riga, Latvia in the period 9 - 19 July.

The Macedonian President, congratulating the success to choir members, wished them many successes in the future.

"Congratulations on your success because your success is Macedonia's success. I often say we need to build Macedonia in height. You have shown that the best, winning the highest world awards and prizes. You have shown the best way to love and promote Macedonia. You present to the whole world all our rich spiritual culture and tradition. You have made us really proud. All those who contribute to the success in any field, deserve great attention and respect," President Ivanov said at the meeting.

The choir members expressed gratitude for the meeting with President Ivanov, adding that they are particularly honored and pleased with the reception.

The members of the choir briefed President Ivanov on the awards and medals won and stressed that the two gold and one silver medal won in the competition of over 500 choirs from all over the world is a huge success for them, but the feeling that with this achievement they contribute to the cultural promotion of the Republic of Macedonia gives them additional incentive to continue their musical story.

"Every award is a new challenge for us to continue on the path of success, constantly opening new chapters," the conductor Letka Polizova-Dimovska said.

The choir members performed two choral compositions, proving once again what they do the best - singing.

The women's chamber choir "St. Zlata of Meglen" was established in 1996 and has numerous performances and won numerous awards. It competed in three categories of spiritual, secular and folk music in the Republic in Latvia.