Претседателот на Република Македонија д-р Ѓорге Иванов денеска на свеченост одржана на платото пред Св. Климентиовиот храм „Св. Пантелејмон“ на Плаошник,  им го врачи признанието „Инженерски прстен“ на најдобрите дипломирани студенти на инженерските факултети.

Ова признание, кое го наградува  трудот, го поттикнува изучувањето на инженерството и придонесува за формирање на квалитетен инженерски подмладок, го доделуваат Инженерската институција на Македонија и Комората на овластени архитекти и инженери, а под покровителство на шефот на државата.

„Ако во Македонија сакаме да ја добиеме иднината, ако сакаме нови работни места и нови производи, тогаш мора да инвестираме во иновација, едукација и инфраструктура. Македонија е на пат да изгради економија заснована врз знаење, врз образовани и работливи луѓе, луѓе на кои успехот ќе им влева самодоверба. Луѓето се клучниот македонски ресурс во кој треба и понатаму се поинтензивно да се вложува,“ рече Претседателот Иванов за време на свеченото доделување на наградите, потенцирајќи дека инженерството е професија коjа е отворена кон нови идеи, посветена на пронаоѓање одговори на проблемите и одлучна истите практично да ги примени.

Претседателот Иванов пред присутните и наградените нагласи дека во центарот на техничкиот и научниот напредок на Македонија се наоѓаат токму овие професии и младите луѓе кои се посветуваат на инженерството, електрониката и механиката.

„Вие сте виталната врска меѓу природните и технички науки од една страна, и општеството и неговите потреби од друга страна. Вашата професија, која е неопходна за 21 век, е втемелена врз научното знаење, но е предводена од имагинацијата и потрагата по практични решенија на реалните проблеми,“ им порача Претседателот Иванов на младите инженери.

На свеченоста на Плаошник присуствуваше и Министерот за образование и наука Никола Тодоров, кој честитајќи им ги наградите на најдобрите студенти, истакна дека Македонија е привилегирана што има исклучителен инженерски кадар.

Претседателот на Инженерската институција на Македонија, Александар Димитров, осврнувајќи се на значењето на инженерската професија, рече дека тенденцијата на интензивно спроведување реформи во голема мера се потпира токму врз инженерскиот кадар, неговата умешност и знаење, не само заради напредокот во економијата и следењето на високоразвиените и модерни општества, туку и заради побрзо вклучување во големото евроатлантско семејство и уживање на придобивките од членувањето во него.

Годинава признанието „Инженерски прстен“ го добија девет првенци од техничките факултети во Македонија и тоа: Александра Каневче од Факултетот за електротехника и информациски технологии, Бојан Митровски од Техничкиот факултет во Битола, Елена Камчева од Технолошко-металуршкиот факултет, Елеонора Ангеловска од Машинскиот факултет, Марија Милошеска од Архитектонскиот факултет, Марија Смилјаноска од Шумарскиот факултет, Симона Марковска од Градежниот факултет, Соња Бачева од Факултетот за земјоделски науки и храна, Трајче Бошевски од Факултетот за природни и технички науки од Штип.

За Симона Марковска, која студиите на Градежниот факултет ги заврши со просек десет, „Инженерскиот прстен“ претставува огромна нематеријална награда и поттик за нови успеси, надоградувања во стручните области. „Беше напорно, но најважно за постигнување успех е трудољубивоста, но секако и желбата и мотивацијата,“ рече таа, изразувајќи увереност и задоволство што вработувањето во Македонија барем за дипломираните градежници не претставува проблем.
 

Запознавањето со можностите што ги нуди Преспа за езерски, рурален и манастирски туризам, како и запознавањето со проблемите на граѓаните од Општина Ресен, беше основна цел на денешната посета на Претседателот на Република Македонија д-р Ѓорге Иванов на Преспанскиот регион.

„Со Градоначалникот и Претседателот на Советот на Општина Ресен разговаравме за состојбите во општината, пред сè за она што ги преокупира граѓаните и како може да им се помогне за да ја подобрат нивната состојба,“ изјави Претседателот Иванов по посетата на ресенското село Брајчино, нагласувајќи дека на средбите општинските власти посочиле на проблемите кои ги наследиле, како и за активностите што се преземаат за нивно решавање и подобрување на стандардот на граѓаните, особено преку извозот на јаболката.

„Имав можност да го посетам и манастриот ’Свети Ѓорги’ во Курбиново од кој сум импресиониран, бидејќи тоа што секогаш сум го гледал по каталози и фотографии овој пат можев да го видам во живо. Да се види наследството што ни го оставиле нашите претци е извонредно доживување,“ рече Шефот на државата и додаде дека тоа наследство мора да се сочува за потомците и идните генерации.

Во Претор Претседателот Иванов имаше прилика да се сретне со учениците кои посетуваат настава во природа во одморалиштето „Мите Богоевски“, а во Брајчино се запозна со можностите што ги нуди ова подпелистерско село за развој на руралниот туризам.

Градоначалникот на Ресен, Михаил Волкановски рече дека на средбата со Претседателот Иванов му ги претставиле проектите кои што се реализирани и оние кои се во тек на реализација, како што е чистењето на плажите на Препанското Езеро и речните корита. Тој како приоритет за граѓаните на Преспа ја истакнал изградбата на дистрибутивниот центар за јаболка, проект кој е во завршна фаза.

„Објектот треба да се гради на шест хектари во местото викано Макази и во него производителите на јаболка, кои се 85 проценти од населението на Преспа, ќе можат да ги складираат и организирано да ги продаваат на пазарите низ Европа и секаде каде што се препознатливи преспанските јаболка,“ рече Градоначалникот Волкановски. Тој воедно нагласи дека очекува годинава да се зголеми бројот на туристи во Преспа, особено од Битола и Прилеп, кои во изминатиов период заради лошата состојба на плажите наместо традиционално во Преспа летуваа во Охрид.

Прашан за коментар за вчерашната анкета на ИПИС, претседателот Иванов рече дека граѓаните препознаваат кога некој вложува и презема сè за да направи нешто во корист на сите што живеат во државата.

„Тоа што во изминатите две години го работев и јас и мојот Кабинет, преку ваквите анкети граѓаните го оценуваат позитивно. Би им упатил апел на сите политичари дека секој што работи, секој што нешто вложува и прави за државата, граѓаните знаат да го оценат и да го вреднуваат,“ рече Претседателот Иванов.
 

  Intensive International Politics and Economical and Political Promotion of the Republic of Macedonia

Within his competences, the President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, in the course of the past year, being the second year of his term, maintained active and regular contacts and meetings with state officials and high representatives of international organizations, continuing the country’s strategy of openness towards building friendly relations and constructive cooperation. His activities are based on the already established highest priorities of the Republic of Macedonia - full membership in the European Union and NATO, promotion of good neighborly relations, intensive regional cooperation, and open approach towards all the countries. In this regard, in September 2010, two months before the annual EC progress report on the Republic of Macedonia, President Ivanov paid a working visit to Brussels, where he met the European Commission President, Jose Manuel Barroso, and the European Council President, Herman Van Rompuy. The topics discussed at the meetings focused on the successes achieved and the progress made by the Republic of Macedonia on the path of EU integration, as well as the efforts to overcome the name dispute with our southern neighbor. Following the meeting with Barroso, the President expressed hope that the recommendation of the EC will soon result in launching negotiations for EU membership and that Macedonia remains constructive actor and partner, expecting that Greece will act in a European manner in the forthcoming period in order this irrational bilateral dispute to be settled. “I do understand the extreme sensitivity of this issue. But I urge all parties to resolve this obstacle as soon as possible. It is time to make a decision”, said Barroso at the joint press conference. The European Commission President Barroso and President Ivanov continued their talks at the meeting held in Ohrid in April 2011, where they exchanged views and information on current developments in the process for overcoming the name dispute with our southern neighbor, which is the only barrier for continuance of the integration processes.

During all bilateral and multilateral meetings in the past year, President Ivanov firmly and convincingly affirmed the positions and the constructive approach of the Republic of Macedonia in the talks for overcoming the dispute with Greece, as well as the willingness to find mutually acceptable solution, stressing that the Macedonian national identity, language and culture are unalterable categories and that constitutional changes are not acceptable. In the course of September 2010, President Ivanov attended the 65th session of the United Nations’ General Assembly in New York. In the greeting address he stressed the progress that the Republic of Macedonia has made in achieving the Millennium Development Goals, highlighting also the Euro-Atlantic integration priorities and the strengthening of regional cooperation. Within this visit, the President had a bilateral meeting with the Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou, which is yet another step in bringing closer the positions of both countries and intensifying of the talks.

The commitment for resolution of the dispute with Greece regarding the constitutional name of the Republic of Macedonia, stands high on the agenda of Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, who makes use of every suitable occasion to highlight the positions of Macedonia and to contribute to preserving a climate of increased trust and better understanding. In this context, undisputable is the support provided by many friendly countries to the Republic of Macedonia to resolve the name dispute within a reasonable time, but also to finally start negotiations for EU membership. At the last official visit to the Republic of Hungary, that currently holds the EU Presidency, Macedonia received an assurance from the Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban that the issue for start of negotiations with the Republic of Macedonia for full EU membership will be put on the agenda for the next European Council meetings.

Participation in important multilateral meetings contributes to strengthening of the Republic of Macedonia positions at international level, but also for paving the path to full membership in the EU and NATO. An event of exceptional importance in this context was the Summit of Heads of States and Governments of NATO Member States, held in Lisbon in late November 2010. At the sidelines of the Summit, President Ivanov met with the US President Barack Obama, who expressed regret that Macedonia is still not a NATO member state, and gratitude for the Macedonian contribution to the ISAF mission in Afghanistan. At the meeting with the US Secretary of State, Ms. Hillary Clinton, the support for Macedonia’s membership in NATO was reaffirmed, as well hope expressed that very soon the problem that hinders the process will be overcome. During this event, President Ivanov also met with the United Nations Secretary General Mr. Ban Ki-moon, the German Chancellor Ms. Angela Merkel, the Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, the Afghan President Hamid Karzai. During the Summit, under the Presidency of the Republic of Macedonia with the Adriatic Charter, a meeting of Heads of Delegations of the A5 Countries - Macedonia, Albania, Croatia, Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina was held. 

In November 2011, at the sidelines of the OSCE Summit in Astana, Kazakhstan, President Dr. Gjorge Ivanov had a bilateral meeting with the OSCE High Commissioner for National Minorities, Knut Vollebaek, who expressed gratitude to the Republic of Macedonia’s leadership for the efforts made in providing integrated education system, and in this regard expressed particular pleasure for the recently adopted strategy for integrated education. At the meeting with the Minister for Europe of the United Kingdom, David Lidington, mutual satisfaction was expressed for the positive trend in the relations and cooperation between the two countries. President Ivanov expressed hope that the Republic of Macedonia will receive equal and fair treatment from the EU, and that the positive examples of parallel movement will be applied.

Within the Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, in October 2010, President Ivanov addressed the ceremony marking the 60th Anniversary of the European Convention on Human Rights in Strasbourg. For the first time, since the country’s membership in the Council of Europe, Macedonia had the honor to chair the oldest pan-European organization that represents the “European legal conscience and consciousness”, uniting the efforts of 47 member states to share common values.

  Efforts for Increased Regional Cooperation and Good Neighborly Relations

In June 2010 in Prizren, the second quadrilateral meeting of the Presidents of Macedonia, Montenegro, Albania and Kosovo took place, following shared commitments after the first regional meeting held in 2009 in Valona. Main discussion topics at the plenary meeting among Presidents Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, Filip Vujanovic, Bamir Topi and Fatmir Sejdiu, key to progress and prosperity of these neighboring countries were: maintaining peace, stability and security, and EU and NATO integration; enhanced cooperation in the fight against crime, illegal trafficking and terrorism; strengthened economic cooperation and trade exchange. The talks also focused on the road and energy connectivity of the four countries, as well as utilization of natural resources for achieving energy security - another area of crucial importance to the economic relations and progress in the Balkans. The next quadrilateral meeting among the four presidents is scheduled for July 2011 in Ohrid, whereas co-operation in specific infrastructure projects will be on the agenda.

President Ivanov puts special emphasis on strengthening the relations among the countries in the region, primarily in the areas of economic cooperation and trade. The attendance at the 13th and 14th Eurasian Economic Forum in Istanbul (2010 and 2011), has opened the doors for increased cooperation between Macedonia and the countries from the Euro-Asian region.

In various contexts and at different occasions in the given period, President Ivanov had several meetings with the presidents of the countries from the region, namely with the President of the Republic of Serbia, Mr. Boris Tadic (4 meetings), the President of the Republic of Albania, Mr. Bamir Topi (5 meetings), the President of Montenegro, Mr. Filip Vujanovic (5 meetings), the President of the Republic of Croatia, Mr. Ivo Josipovic (3 meetings). The intensive contacts between the presidents contribute not only to increased cooperation among the Western Balkan countries, but also for strengthening their shared positions for prompt membership in the European Union and building a common future of wellbeing and prosperity.

Economic Promotion and Prosperity of the Republic of Macedonia

An event of exceptional importance for Macedonia was the working visit to the Russian Federation and the participation at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, held from 17 to 19 June 2010 in St. Petersburg. During the meeting between the President Ivanov and his Russian counterpart Dmitry Medvedev, in addition to the opportunities to improve the overall economic cooperation between Macedonia and Russia and the potentials for opening the Russian market for Macedonian products, another issue discussed was Macedonia’s inclusion in the project for construction of the pipeline corridor “Southern Stream”, which will provide low-priced energy, and thus energy stability to the Republic of Macedonia, contributing to the overall economic development. Within this visit, an agreement was signed for clearing the debt of Russia (Former USSR) to Macedonia, which opened the door for further advancement of the cooperation between the two countries.

Stability and Security - a Prerequisite for Development

In the sphere of security, Republic of Macedonia remains committed to building and sustaining lasting peace and stability. In June 2010, President Ivanov participated at the 3rd Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia, held in Istanbul, as a guest in a capacity of Chairman of the Council of Europe.

As a Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces in November 2010, President Ivanov visited the Macedonian peacekeepers deployed in the ISAF mission in Kabul, Afghanistan. Moreover, he held meetings with NATO Senior Civilian Representative in Afghanistan Mark Sedvil, and with the ISAF Commander in Afghanistan General David Petraeus, who briefed President Ivanov on the achievements and contribution of the Macedonian soldiers to the ISAF mission, emphasizing their professionalism and dedication. The participation of Macedonian troops in ISAF, according to President Ivanov, is a confirmation of the successful reforms in the army, as well as meeting the criteria for NATO membership.

President Ivanov‘s Commitments to Advance Political and Social Life in the Republic of Macedonia

Among the top priorities of President Dr. Gjorge Ivanov is improvement of business environment and attracting foreign investments, promotion of regional development and revitalization of economy. To this end, the President pays regular visits to the cities and regions in Macedonia, holds meetings with local government representatives, local business communities, factories and other manufacturing facilities. Over the past year, President Ivanov met with the mayors of the Eastern region and visited the following municipalities: Kocani, Bitola, Bogovinje, Jegunovce and the municipality of Resen. By attending business forums and regular meetings with the Chambers of Commerce, President Ivanov opens space for joint analysis of the current situation and challenges in the area of economy: meeting with businessmen of the Macedonian-Turkish Business Association (May 2010), Economic Forum: Czech Republic - Macedonia (June 2010), Annual Meeting of the Macedonian - Slovenian Business Club (December 2010), Kosovo - Macedonian Business Forum (March 2011), and regular meetings with the Chambers of Commerce in Macedonia. 

In conditions of unstable political climate, in order to support and maintain the political dialogue, President Ivanov, for the purpose of unification, summoned the leaders of the leading political parties to come together on a same table, and urged them to openly discuss the current political events. In May 2010, a Leaders’ meeting was held in “Jasen” - Katlanovo. At the same place, another Leaders’ meeting was hosted in January 2011, in order to overcome the political crisis. In February and in March 2011, in the Cabinet of the President three more leaders’ meetings were organized, which contributed to the intensification of the political dialogue. The leaders' meeting held on February 7th was attended by the leaders of the political parties represented in the Assembly, including the Speaker of the Assembly, Mr. Trajko Veljanovski. President Ivanov stressed that in democratic environment, each represents his views and positions, but it is necessary to discuss outstanding issues and strengthen the open political dialogue, aimed at finding common solutions and strengthening the democratic institutions. Meanwhile President Ivanov holds regular meetings with the smaller political parties, always taking into account the needs of the smaller ethnic communities.

In order to strengthen ethnic and religious tolerance, President Ivanov maintains regular meetings with leaders of religious communities, contributing to the efforts to strengthen social cohesion and coexistence within the diversified multiethnic society of Macedonia. President Ivanov is also patron of the Balkan Islamic Conference, aimed at familiarization with the activities of Islamic religious communities at the regional level. The President also supported the 2nd World Conference on Religious and Civilization Dialogue in Ohrid, in May 2010. In his address he indicated the importance of finding modalities of dialogue between religions, since sustainable peace is possible only if the social pluralism incorporates religious pluralism.

As Patron of the Conference on Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Regional Development which took place in Ohrid this year, President Ivanov pointed out that the citizens with their diligence, hard work, creativity and commitment, are the greatest resource of our country, while the main responsibility of the state is through education to cultivate a spirit of openness, inventiveness, determination. He also stressed that the dynamics of the economy may be attained, strengthened and sustained only through cooperation of the state institutions with the business sector and the chambers of commerce.

Convinced that the biggest investment of a country is the investment in youth, President Ivanov established the School for Young Leaders, which for the second time this year will be organized in Ohrid, uniting around 30 young, educated and ambitious people from all over Macedonia, who promise, with their potentials, to take the helm of the Macedonian political, economic and cultural development. Another way President Dr. Gjorge Ivanov manifests his support for young people through awarding the recognition to the youngest scientist, thus prompting their creative and innovative potentials.

Despite the intensive current times, President Ivanov shows due respect for the past and for those individuals who left substantial marks in the Macedonian history, national identity and culture. In October 2010, President Ivanov posthumously awarded the highest state award the “Order of the Republic of Macedonia” to Metodija Andonov – Cento, who was elected as President of the Presidium at the first session of ASNOM, the highest body of the state authority of Democratic Macedonia. Loyal to the democratic republican traditions, as a real people’s tribune Metodija Andonov - Cento left his testament to us: “The ancient desire of the Macedonian people has come true. We shall protect the freedom and equality as the pupil in our eye  ...”.

The Academician Nikola Kljusev was posthumously awarded with the Order “8 September”, as the President of the first expert Government of the Republic of Macedonia, for his outstanding contribution in achieving independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity of the country and strengthening of its international position and reputation. This Order represents appreciation for the leadership of the Academician Kljusev in setting the foundations and pillars of the independent Macedonia – the establishment of the Macedonian police, Macedonian Army and Macedonian national currency.

In the mosaic of everyday social life, the President selflessly gives his support for arts, music, sports. He is the patron of the traditional “Ohrid Summer Festival”, the Ohrid Swimming Marathon, but also of the event rewarding the best engineering students - the “Engineering Ring”, remaining a passionate supporter of initiatives that reward and promote Macedonian culture in the country and across the world. The President’s support is also directed to promotion of education. Showing interest for innovations in the educational system, so far he has visited almost all universities and held lectures to students in several higher education institutions.

In February 2011, the People’s Office in Tetovo was opened, following the first one opened in Skopje, which has a goal to bring the function and the work of the President closer to the citizens, giving them an opportunity to present their problems, priorities and proposals to the President. President Ivanov has not neglected those who need most aid and support, such as orphans and children with special needs, for whom the doors of his house are always open. On Christmas Eve, January 6th, 2011, the President welcomed the children of the SOS Children's Village.

Statistics on International Activity of President Ivanov, May 2010 - May 2011