The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, the Minister of Education and Science, Panche Kralev and the Principal of City College, University of Sheffield, located in Thessaloniki, Ioannis Ververidis today signed a Protocol on Cooperation for awarding of 20 “Boris Trajkovski” scholarships for part time two-year post-gradual studies at the MBA Programme.

At the ceremony of signing the Protocol, President Ivanov expressed hope that these efforts will bring excellent results which will drastically reimburse the invested funds. He also stressed that this is an example which confirms that Macedonia and Greece may cooperate well.

“As neighbors, we are particularly called upon for cooperation in all areas, to recompense for the lost time. I am most pleased that with this cooperation we are creating opportunities for our young generations, for the generations to come, to grow up together. Young Macedonians and Greeks, who know each other, study together, work, socialize, are the best guarantee that our two countries will share the future of cooperation and friendship. As a professor, I have delivered lectures in Greece, I understand well the need this cooperation to continue and be successful”, president Ivanov stressed.

Minister of education Kralev, elaborating on the procedures and conditions to grant scholarships, stressed that the candidates to receive “Boris Trajkovski” scholarships will be selected by a joint commission established by the three signatories of the Protocol.

”The creation and improvement of young scientific and research staff in the areas offered by this program and their employment in the Republic of Macedonia after their graduation, is one of the measures to prevent "brain drain" from the state. Thus, we would be able to contribute to the continuous development of the country based on knowledge and application of modern scientific and technological achievements”, Minister Kralev said.

Granting of these scholarships was initiated 8 years ago by the late President Boris Trajkovski. The scholarships, in his honor, bear his name.

The Ministry of Education and Science, by the end of this month will publish the contest for scholarships at the CITY College, which is part of the University of Sheffield in Great Britain. The Programme offers the following courses: general management, marketing, finance, logistics and healthcare management. Financial support is provided jointly by the Government of the Republic of Macedonia and the University of Sheffield.

The Principal of the CITY College in Thessaloniki Ververidis said that such scholarships have been awarded so far to 80 students.

“Considering their progress I am very pleased that they all have great benefit and today, with their capacity and work, contribute to the development of the society, economy and the country. We are again able to give the opportunity to additional 20 top-quality, highly motivated professionals to get a full scholarship to follow the University of Sheffield Executive Masters in Business Administration Programme in Thessaloniki”, Principal Ververidis said.

The University of Sheffield is one of the best 100 universities, ranked on the 69th place in the world and on the 25th in Europe. It is a University with 5 Nobel Prize winners. In the MBA Programme of the CITY College all SEE countries participate.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, today visited the Municipality of Ilinden in Skopje and met with Mayor Zika Stojanovski and Municipal Counselors, as well as with thirty businessmen - members of the Economic Forum of the Municipality. The President was informed on the ongoing and implemented projects in the municipality and on the achieved results.

 
”The Municipality of Ilinden is a positive example for the other municipalities on how to use all potentials and ensure prosperity for the citizens”, President Ivanov said, welcoming the positive changes he saw during his today’s visit to the Municipality of Ilinden

and their successful practices that contributed to increased investment and creation of new jobs.

 
”The fact that only within one year, 1,000 new jobs have been opened in Ilinden speaks for itself”, the President said.

 
The Head of State visited the eco-house in Kadino, energy independent facility with built system of solar collectors integrated in the electricity - energy system of the household. The owner Zvonko Markovski presented the advantages and great savings from investing in energy production eco-systems.

 
President Ivanov visited the Flour and Frozen Dough Factory “Kadino Industry Group” and the object under construction – complex of plants “Pekabesko” for meat processing and production. According to him, all the efforts and reforms implemented give results, seeing the business as an opportunity for people to secure their safe existence and prosperity.

”According to the latest World Bank report “Doing Business 2012”, Macedonia each year marks a progress and is an attractive destination for foreign investment. This suggests that at a time of global economic crisis, when many economies stagnate, Macedonia has something to offer and it is evident”, President Ivanov stressed. The Report ranks Macedonia as the third top reformer in doing business. According to the global ranking, the country this year rose by 12 positions from the 34th to the 22nd position, and is the best ranked country in the Western Balkans, better than 19 EU member states.

 
Wrapping up the visit to the Municipality of Ilinden, President Ivanov stressed that he was told by the business community that the Mayor and the Counselors of the Municipality of Ilinden respond quickly to their needs, primarily aimed at improving the infrastructure, providing the necessary documentation to carry out their business projects, and the necessary support.

Mayor Zika Stojanovski said that this visit means for them even stronger commitment to project implementation and added that they have excellent cooperation with the central government, with the Government and with all institutions, as well as with the civil society and the business sector.

 
During the visit of the Municipality of Ilinden, the President visited the village Marino and had an opportunity to meet and talk with the residents of this village. In the Municipality of Ilinden there are 12 settlements, approximately 16,000 residents and about 750 commercial entities.

The Emir of the State of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al Thani, following the visit to the Republic of Macedonia, sent a message to President Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, extending his gratitude for the hospitality:

”Upon leaving your friendly country, I am pleased, Your Excellency, to extend sincere gratitude for the hospitality and warm reception accorded to me and the accompanying delegation throughout our visit to Macedonia, which gave us the opportunity to exchange views on issues of mutual interest and to reflect on key concerns of both countries and to promote and enhance the ties of friendship and cooperation in various fields for the benefit of our peoples”, stated Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani in his letter to President Ivanov.

The Emir of the State of Qatar paid a two day visit to the Republic of Macedonia and met with Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski and Parliament Speaker Trajko Veljanovski.

Macedonian and Qatari delegation signed seven agreements governing areas important for future cooperation between the two countries, namely for encouraging investment, regulation of employment in Qatar, culture, education, air services, etc. President Ivanov and Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al Thani considered the possibilities for cooperation in agriculture, energy, construction industry, financial services and tourism, and the initiative to open an Embassy of the State of Qatar in Macedonia.

"There is no doubt that the relations between Arab nations and European countries from the Mediterranean in the past had been established based on trade and cultural collaboration. Nowadays, we can and must pursue in building these mutual ties on the grounds of this historical tradition to our mutual benefit, and in enhancing the independence of all countries and securing their freedoms", the Emir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani said at the official dinner organized in his honor by President Dr. Gjorge Ivanov.

Addressing the guests, the Emir of the State of Qatar said that he endorsed President Ivanov's efforts in boosting cooperation between the two countries and bolstering friendly ties, which will be beneficial for our nations and of great mutual interest, and thus contribute to reinforcing the foundations of peace and cooperation between the nations.

In this regard, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani highlighted the positive spirit of cooperation that prevailed during the talks and was wrapped up with signing of several bilateral agreements and economic contracts, which will be beneficial for both countries and peoples.

"We also share the same positions and principles of your country, which celebrates freedom in its anthem and the flag with the sun, glorifying the constant efforts of your people to exercise its rights of freedom and sovereignty. These days, the Arab world also sings about the freedom of the sun and is on the threshold of a new era in its history. Hopefully, this will open up for the Arab world wider horizons of inventions, development, productivity and just governance", the Emir of the State of Qatar said.

He expressed conviction that it would create new opportunities for cooperation in the field of economy, social life and humanity between Arab nations and the rest of the world, most notably with the European continent, being connected with geographical and historical elements, in a bid to reinforce the foundations of peace and coexistence.

"Your country, owing to its location, is a cradle of the oldest civilizations in the world that are deeply rooted in the profound history of your country, thus enabling it to play an active role in the world. This civilization is a witness of an intertwined culture preserving religious objects and the centers of art, poetry and wisdom". Best argument for this are world famous and recognized artists who were born right here in Skopje, such as the Turkish classic poet Yahya Kemal and Mother Teresa", the Emir of the State of Qatar said in his speech at the dinner, expressing thankfulness for the hospitality.

His host, President Ivanov stated that the Republic of Macedonia highly appreciated the efforts made by the State of Qatar in building peace in the extremely complex region of the Middle East and North Africa.

"What is particularly important is that both countries share the same vision of peace, tolerance, dialogue and cooperation in the world. We highly value the engagement of the State of Qatar in this respect, as well as your role in the UN Alliance of Civilizations. This commitment of yours has been acknowledged with the crucial support provided for the Summit Dialogue among Civilizations, held in Ohrid in 2003, under the auspices of my predecessor, a great visionary, president Boris Trajkovski. A proof of the importance of this topic is the fact that ever since then similar events have been held on regular basis in the region, supported by UNESCO and the Council of Europe. On the 10th anniversary in 2013, I will host a summit on the same issue. The Republic of Macedonia stands ready to establish closer cooperation with your state in this field", President Ivanov said.

He praised the progress achieved by Qatar in past decades which makes Qatar an example for many countries in the region and beyond.

"Its dedication to progress and reform processes and leadership demonstrated in terms of freedom of expression and emancipation of women are only part of the mosaic incorporated into Qatar's exceptional success. I am assured that a future should be built for the youth, but also youth for the future. The commitment of the Qatar Foundation in developing education and health, creativity and innovation, for me and for many leaders in the world is a true inspiration", Macedonian President noted.
During the joint talks with the Emir of the State of Qatar it was concluded that both countries foster excellent bilateral relations and it was agreed, in the upcoming period, all opportunities for more intensive and closer cooperation in all areas to be used, particularly in the field of economy.

"What makes me particularly happy and thus your visit more successful is the serious improvement of the legal framework. A series of bilateral treaties were signed, exceptionally important for enhanced cooperation in several spheres. Thus, we have fulfilled the promise given at our first meeting in New York, when we both concluded that this was an obstacle for more intensive cooperation between these two countries. Today, we leave that obstacle behind us", President Ivanov said to the Emir of the State of Qatar.

President also conveyed his expectations for utmost commitment to taking advantage of the opportunities in strengthening economic cooperation.

"I expect the Qatari business community to recognize the efforts of the Government of the Republic of Macedonia to attract investors and create favorable business environment. I hope success will be made in this field as well", President Ivanov stressed addressing the guests attending the dinner. President Ivanov also said that this visit would give a fresh impulse of cooperation between Macedonia and Qatar and that friendship founded on joint visions will be further developed and advanced with new forms and contents.

The Emir of the State of Qatar expressed interest in realization of investment projects in the Republic of Macedonia in several areas, with particular interest in the energy sector, banking, agriculture and infrastructure.

In terms of economic cooperation with the Republic of Macedonia, the realization of joint projects and investments, the Emir al Thani also expressed satisfaction that during his visit, several bilateral agreements were signed in various areas, underlying that very soon we should expect investment and see whether the pace of cooperation and investment corresponds to what has been arranged these two days as a future economic cooperation.

The delegation from the State of Qatar today visited the cultural and historical sights and the Old Bazaar.

Во Македонската акaдемија на науките и уметностите (МАНУ) денеска почна 7. Меѓународен  конгрес за Ататурк, кој се одржува по повод 130 години од смрта на Мустафа Кемал Ататрук. Конгресот е во организација на МАНУ и Истражувачкиот центар за Ататурк (АТАМ), а се одржува под покровителство на претседателите на Република Македонија и на Република Турција, Ѓорѓе Иванов и Абдула Ѓул.

Врската меѓу Ататурк и Македонија, според претседателот Иванов, не е само географска.

„Македонија не е само местото во кое тој бил роден, туку и простор во кој се формирал неговиот поглед кон светот, неговиот карактер и неговите сваќања. Во земјава тој непосредно учи колку е важен соживотот, ги учи македонските вредности, како што се толеранцијата и прифаќањето на другите,“ нагласи претседателот Иванов во своето обраќање на отворањето на Конгресот.

Шефот на државата потсети на изјавата на Ататурк во која тој рекол - „На териториите кои ќе останат надвор од границите на турската држава меѓу кои се Македонија и Албанија, прво треба да им се даде автономија, а потоа и целосна независност“.

„Таа негова визија вистински се оствари пред 20 години, на 8 септември 1991 година кога македонските граѓани на референдум донесоа одлука за независна, суверена и самостојна Република Македонија,“ нагласи претседателот Иванов.

Осврнувајќи се на делата кои ги читал основачот и прв претседател на Турција, македонскиот претседател посочи дека историјата нè учи дека многу луѓе станале големи поради идеите кои ги црпеле од книгите. Ататурк, додаде тој, беше најпрво сведок, а подоцна и главен индивидуален учесник во историската драма која значеше крај на историското царство. Тој многу добро ги знаеше недостатоците и опасностите на една неодржива империја.

„Македонија беше прозорецот преку кој Ататурк се запозна со своите вредности и просторот преку кој се калеше неговиот карактер, каде се градеше неговиот поглед, каде созреваа идеите кои подоцна никнаа во Република Турција,“ истакна претседателот Иванов.

За турскиот вицепремиер Булент Аранч, Ататурк е еден од ретките лидери кој во минатиот век створил една модерна држава, кој не е само борбен лидер, туку и голем реформатор. Според него, Ататурк го сплотил и организирал својот народ, давајќи извонреден пример за борба за слобода.

Седмиот конгрес за Ататурк ќе го претстави научното толкување на историските, општествените, културните и економските односи меѓу Турција и Балканот во контекст на минатото, сегашноста и иднината. 

Мустафа Кемал Ататурк роден е во Солун на 19 мај 1881 година во турско семејство. Учи воено училиште во родниот град, а подоцна во 1895 година и воена академија во Битола. На 23 април 1920 година формира привремено управителство во Анкара. Неговиот режим официјално ја презема султанската власт во ноември 1922 година, а единаесет месеци подоцна ја прогласува Турската Република, при што Мустафа Кемал станува прв претседател.  Во 1935 година го додава презимето Ататурк - „татко на Турците“. Управува како лидер на Турција до смртта во 1938 година.