About fifty citizens today in the People’s Office in Skopje had the opportunity to meet with the President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, to express their views and opinions about the overall situation in the society, as well as the problems faced in their everyday life and the manner to obtain protection or exercise of certain rights and interests.

The Macedonian President informed the citizens with the activities and the exercise of his constitutional and legal competences and thus gave his own assessments and opinions.

“All those who are elected by the citizens are in function of achieving the interests of the citizens. I always take care of what is of vital interest for them, what is their priority. All these meetings are in a way assessment of the work we do and what we accomplish and to what extent it is in the interest of the citizens, President Ivanov said.

The citizens mostly referred to the name issue, the interethnic coexistence, unemployment, but they also had a number of proposals for improvements in many social spheres.

“My perception of President Ivanov is not about a politician who mainly protect the interests to raise his rating or in the interest of his party, but he is working in the interest of his country as a patriot and really in bona fide”, pensioner Nedan Jovanovski, who used this occasion to ask President Ivanov what is the position of the foreign statesmen on the name issue with Greece and whether they understand the situation in our country.

In the reply, President Ivanov said that he uses every opportunity with the foreign statesmen to repeatedly insist on issues of our concern and the resolution of this problem. The President added that it is always necessary to stress the importance of preservation of our identity.

“I support that as well, because the President is a great proponent of our identity and therefore I urged him to continue, and that we are proud of such a president”, pensioner Jovanovski said.

After several previous attempts, Ismail Baftijari, succeeded today in meeting President Ivanov and thus asked him for an opinion on interethnic coexistence, and on the perspectives of the youth and the unemployment problem.

"I am satisfied with the answer. I saw that the President has understanding of all the problems. He replied that there are announced investments in Macedonia, which will create jobs for the citizens, and this will lead to a reduction in the unemployment. President Ivanov is personally involved and supports many youth activities, whether in the area of sports or education, and I see that he understands their problems", student Baftijari said.

President Ivanov said that the number of complaints in the past period was greater, mostly regarding the operation of the institutions, where citizens encounter problems in exercising certain rights, but at the last meetings, they increasingly present initiatives, suggestions and ideas on certain issues.

"Most often, of course, they refer to the name issue, the identity, their understanding and how it affects their lives. There are many useful initiatives for their innovations which they could not implement, whether the institutions can show interest for their innovations, some of their innovations to be applied with the opportunity to create jobs. Today we had such initiatives to raise the quality of education. Experiences were shared of people who have devoted their lifetime to education, now retired, but from their experience, gave suggestions for the benefit of all who live in Macedonia", President Ivanov said.

According to the President, with the opening of the People's Offices in Skopje, Bitola and Tetovo his commitment to proximity and direct contact with the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia was achieved. Exactly the People's Offices are one of the ways to directly hear citizens, their ideas, suggestions, initiatives and proposals.

"That was part of my election program, in order to approximate the institution President to the ordinary citizen. The day today is dedicated exactly to that, to meeting with the citizens. Assessments are positive, because the citizens feel the need to make personal contact, not only through the communicated letters, not only through the petitions, but have a desire for personal communication. It gives them personal pleasure, and is an opportunity to express their views, an opportunity to personally discuss with the head of state their views on their everyday life. I think this is a positive initiative and good practice, I see that other institutions apply, because it is, as I said at the beginning, primarily in function of the citizens in particular", the Macedonia President said.

He thanked the citizens for their presence today, saying that without their specific contribution it will not be possible to create successful and functional policies.

Today's meeting between the citizens and President Ivanov in the People's Office in Skopje, among the others, was attended by some of the members of the Komiti fan group, who presented to the President the activities they carry out, as well as the problems they face. As a token of gratitude for the understanding shown by the Macedonian President, the Komiti fan group awarded President Ivanov with a scarf  and a T-Shirt with their logo.

The People's Office in Skopje was opened in April 2010. Since its opening, it has been visited by several thousand people.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, received by the international organization “Peace and Sport”, during the forum held in Sochi, special recognition for his commitment to the promotion and affirmation of peace through sport. The Prize was awarded to him by the President and Founder of the organization “Peace and Sport”, Joël Bouzou.

“It is an incentive for everyone and confirmation that if we have sincere attitude to all the ideas, at certain time, it will give results and international promotion. Although we are a small country, we have shown that we can work with young people and demonstrated that Macedonia is a country of diversity and that in sports such differences have no impact, but there is motivation to compete”, President Ivanov said.

According to the President, the initiative of Prince Albert II of Monaco through sport to promote peace is a noble idea which encourages athletes to be more involved and to have a greater role in promoting and building peace.

“Sport can greatly help especially in those areas that lack capacity to cope with left legacy individually. In such areas, through sport, people feel the power of peace, i.e., to live in peace and be able to compete and achieve results, which will later enable them to make results within international associations and at competitions”, President Ivanov said.

In Macedonia, in the past year, under the auspices of President Ivanov, the project “Sport as a Factor of Tolerance, Unity and Respect” was implemented. It included more than 300 children of different ethnic and religious background from 6 municipalities. The main objective of the project was through sports children to get to know each other and to learn to respect the differences of others.

President Ivanov, again, this year was one of the key speakers at the Peace and Sport International Forum, which was attended by more than seven hundred delegates from one hundred countries, including political leaders, business elite representatives, international organizations and civil society, representatives of the International Olympic Committee, and a many world famous athletes.

The International Forum Peace and Sport was initiated in 2007 with an aim to contribute to the maintenance and fostering peace in the world through sport, to encourage cooperation and exchange of experience aimed at creating incentives to put sport in function of peace.

 

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, had a meeting today in the Black Sea city of Sochi with the Russian Minister of Sport, Vitaly Mutko, where the main emphasis was on establishing bilateral cooperation in the field of sports, primarily through signing contracts and agreements, as well as mutual support and strong partnership in international sports federations.

At the meeting, held on the sidelines of the 6th International Forum Peace and Sport, the two interlocutors expressed their willingness to exchange coaches for the sports schools, training of personnel, use of sports facilities, as well as cooperation between high education institutions through participation in specialized educational processes in the field of sports.

“Russia is open to cooperate with Macedonia. We had a constructive meeting. We talked about cooperation in the field of sports and teaching staff from Macedonia and the Russian Federation”, Russian Minister Mutko said.

President Ivanov informed the Russian Minister on the activities and projects implemented by the Macedonian government for promotion and development of sport, creating high-quality personnel, as well as to encourage the sporting spirit among young people through the construction of sports fields, playgrounds and halls.

The Macedonian President said that the forum, held under the auspices of Prince Albert II of Monaco, gains greater importance from year to year not only among athletes but also among politicians and the wider international community. As President Ivanov stressed, sport helps resolve many issues even before they are placed on the political agenda.

President Ivanov, again, this year was one of the key speakers at the Peace and Sport International Forum, which was attended by more than seven hundred delegates from one hundred countries, including political leaders, business elite representatives, international organizations and civil society, representatives of the International Olympic Committee, and a many world famous athletes.

The International Forum Peace and Sport was initiated in 2007 with an aim to contribute to the maintenance and fostering peace in the world through sport, to encourage cooperation and exchange of experience aimed at creating incentives to put sport in function of peace. After last year’s participation in the international forum Peace and Sport, held in Monaco, in six municipalities in Macedonia the project “Sport as a Factor for Tolerance, Unity and Respect” was implemented, under the patronage of President Ivanov.


 

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, today, in a farewell meeting, received the Ambassador of Qatar, H.E. Soltan Saad al Moraikhi. At the cordial meeting, the Macedonian President expressed his gratitude to the Ambassador of Qatar for his commitment so far in deepening the cooperation and overall relations between the two countries.

The two interlocutors expressed their expectation for further intensification of contacts in the following period, as well as the expectation for maximum efforts to use all possibilities to strengthen economic cooperation. In this context, Ambassador Soltan Saad al Moraikhi confirmed the interest of Qatar to invest in Macedonia, in several areas and noted that they are considering a number of possible projects.

It was concluded at the meeting that the two countries have excellent bilateral relations, proven by the regular meetings at the highest political level, and the consent reached for more intense and closer cooperation in all areas of mutual interest. It was also discussed about the planned opening of Qatari Embassy in Skopje soon.

President Ivanov stressed that the Republic of Macedonia highly appreciates the efforts of the State of Qatar towards peace building in an extremely complex region of the Middle East and North Africa, particularly stressing the commitment within the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations; commitment that was confirmed with the significant support of the Dialogue among Civilizations, held in Ohrid in 2003.

At the farewell meeting, President Ivanov, among the other things, conveyed greetings to the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa and expressed satisfaction that during his visit to the Republic of Macedonia several bilateral agreements in several areas were signed and concrete results thereof are expected in future.

 

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, today, in his Cabinet, received the students with the highest GPA of the second year of studies of the six social science faculties at the University “St. Kliment Ohridski”- Bitola.

The two-hour meeting with the President was an opportunity for 30 best social science students to presented their views, problems and challenges they face, as well as suggestions to improve certain processes and conditions.

The established practice of regular meetings with the best students from all universities in the country is based on the conviction of President Ivanov that the constant improvement of the quality of education is extremely important, and for that purpose, it is necessary to take into consideration the views and suggestions of the students, future academic citizens of the Republic of Macedonia, on whom the future development of our society and country directly depends.

“This meeting with President Ivanov is an unusual opportunity for us, the best students, with an average grade of 10.00. The President has given us this opportunity to present problems and challenges faced in the student life, but also to talk about the new credit transfer system, the successes that we achieve with this type of study, as well as other issues related to the educational process in our State. Macedonia deserves quality staff, and only the education reforms being undertaken we could raise our country to a higher level”, Florina Bakievska said, a student at the Faculty of Law.

President Ivanov congratulated the students for their success achieved so far, and expressed his satisfaction with the opportunity to meet successful young people who are part of the academic elite of our country. The President stressed that he is happy with the fact that the students are talking frankly about the problems and challenges, which indicates their willingness to contribute to the improvement of the overall education system. He pointed out that universities are institutions where the reforms should start and which should offer programs based on the needs of the market and society.
 
Our country needs to be competitive in the global labor market, and this can only be achieved with quality education. Macedonia need not only educated people, but people capable of applying theoretical knowledge in practice", President Ivanov said at the meeting with the best students from the University of Bitola.

At the meeting, the students had the opportunity to share their opinions on the high education system in the country and to highlight its advantages and disadvantages. The students from the Faculty of Law in Bitola and the Faculty of Economics in Prilep expressed their dissatisfaction with the lack of practice, and even if practice is included, very often they are unable to learn something relevant. They also expressed concern about the prospects for their employment after graduation.

"The responsibility for your personal success or failure is simply yours. Unfortunately, we still function according to an outdated matrix and expect the state to find a work for us. Develop your entrepreneurial skills. It is important, while you are still studying, to organize yourself well and to work. Only if you are persistent you will achieve success. Quality will eventually come to light", President Ivanov said.

The students were unanimous in the view that for them it is a great honor that the President showed interest and concern for their students' everyday lives and curriculum for upgrading their knowledge, and expressed support for future meetings of this kind.

"It is an honor and pleasure to be here today, because not everyone has such an opportunity to speak face to face with the President. This actually is recognition for the effort we invest in studies and education. It is good that we had the opportunity to present the advantages and benefits we enjoy at our faculties, but also the remarks and problems we face", Hristina Ambarovska said, a student at the Faculty of Administration and Management of Information Systems - FAMIS.

Student from Serbia with Macedonian origin, Nenad Smiljkov, who studies at the Faculty of Economics in Prilep, expressed gratitude for the scholarship and the possibility that Macedonia offers him to study here.

"I also think that such opportunities, as the meeting with the President today, are very positive at the same time for networking among students, the best of all faculties, because they are the future leaders who should lead the Republic of Macedonia", Smiljkov said.

This is the fourth in a series of planned meetings of the President with the students of all universities in the country. Throughout the year, President Ivanov received the best social science students from the University "St. Cyril and Methodius" - Skopje, University "Goce Delchev" - Stip and the South East European University in Tetovo.

The idea of these meetings is to stress that education becomes highest priority. Moreover, President Ivanov, with many activities, supports the improvement of the students as well as their successes, primarily through the School for Young Leaders, which is organized every year under his auspices and with awarding the title "The Best Youngest Scientist".

The President of the Republic of Serbia, Tomislav Nikolic, at the invitation of the Macedonian President, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, is paying an official visit to the Republic of Macedonia, which is also the first official visit of the Serbian President after being elected.

In the spirit of the traditional good-neighborly relations, at the bilateral meeting, the two presidents exchanged views on the European integration processes of the two countries with a common conclusion that the economic cooperation between Serbia and Macedonia is in the right direction, but it is necessary to intensify the trade exchange.

As regards the existing dispute between the Serbian and the Macedonian Orthodox Church, after the meeting with his Serbian counterpart, President Ivanov said that as presidents, they should help establish a dialogue and start communication between the clerics and churches.

“We have good will to assist in the dialogue, but we are not the ones who bring solutions to such matters under the responsibility given to us by the Constitution of our countries, and we know what our competences as statesmen are. Church issues require church answers”, President Ivanov said.

Serbian President Nikolic said in Skopje that he sees no unsolvable dispute between the Macedonian and the Serbian Orthodox Church.

“Many things depend on the good relations between Macedonia and Serbia as states and if we manage to convince all citizens that our friendship is sincere, then our churches will start thinking differently about this dispute”, President Nikolic said.

Asked about his view at the time when he was the leader of the opposition, if elected as president of Serbia he will change the attitude towards the constitutional name of the Republic of Macedonia, speaking in the context of the recognition of Kosovo, the Serbian President Nikolic decisively answered that Serbia is not considering a change in the attitude to the name of the Republic of Macedonia.

"I am not in opposition, today I am head of state. For many issues I have to think in a way that it will affect the destiny of the country and of the people. It was an emotional reaction when Macedonia recognized the independence of Kosovo and Metohija. But when Serbia canceled hospitality towards the Macedonian Ambassador in Belgrade, I said that it was outrageous act", President Nikolic said.

Regarding the dispute between Greece and Macedonia, the Serbian President said that both countries are friends of Serbia and as he is concerned about his country to join the EU, he is also concerned about Macedonia.

"I see the pride of Macedonia, which insists on the name, but I also see the pride of Greece, which also insists on the name, and I think that you should discuss this issue, because without conversation, nothing can be resolved", President Nikolic stressed.

In terms of the European integration, the Macedonian President said that both Macedonia and Serbia have obstacles on the way, and that all existing problems can be solved with dialogue, as the only way to come to a solution.

"It is in Macedonia's interest to be engaged in intensive talks with the southern neighbor, which is an impediment for us on the road to the EU. I hope solution will be found if there is willingness for that, President Ivanov said.

As President Nikolic said, Serbia and Macedonia have interlaced past, shared future and a common goal - membership in the EU, on which path they have problems, but they do everything to meet the necessary standards.

During the visit, the President of the Republic of Serbia will visit tomorrow the village Sretenovo in Valandovo, and together with President Ivanov in Valandovo will attend the 13th traditional "Valandovo rakijada 2012" event and will visit two Macedonian wineries.