The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov today paid a working visit to the National Bank of the Republic of Macedonia.

The President expressed satisfaction with the presented results, which, according to him, demonstrate that the general image of Macedonia’s economy is stable. The assessment of the banking sector is that it is relatively resistant, with a capacity to sustain major consequences of the crisis in the Euro-zone.

“We were presented last year’s data and it can be concluded that the general image of Macedonia’s economy is stable. Deficit and foreign debt general trends were presented, which make Macedonia an example in the region and beyond, regardless of the latest developments in the EU. The Denar remains stable, as well as the banking sector, as it was shown in the stress test simulations. We should be satisfied with the general state of play in the sphere of economy, where indicators show that we will have growth of three percents, which is perhaps modest, but in such conditions, it is still an indicator that speaks of our expectations and awakening of optimism”, President Ivanov said, adding that the policy led by the National Bank is commendable.

Governor Dimitar Bogov stressed that Macedonia’s banking system is relatively resistant and can sustain, without major consequences, the blows from the crisis in the Euro-zone and will do everything to minimize the negative effects of the crisis in the Euro-zone.

Regarding the drop of the Euro against the Dollar and the possible impact on Macedonia’s currency, the Governor noted that the Denar is stable and that the ratio Denar - Euro will also remain stable.

Asked about the expectations of the new round of talks between the UN mediator Matthew Nimetz and the representatives of both countries, Zoran Jolevski and Adamatios Vassilakis, which will be held today and tomorrow in New York, President Ivanov said that Macedonia is playing a constructive role in the process of finding solution to the name issue and expects the same from Greece.

"We are constructive in this process and our representative has all the instructions and information that we as state officials have determined. We remain consistent in the process, demonstrating our constructiveness, and we expect the other side to do the same", President Ivanov said.

President Ivanov said that although there may be a different perception among the public concerning the talks because of the deadlock, the process should be seen in its entirety.

Within today's visit to the National Bank, President Ivanov visited the museum exhibition "Macedonia, Money and History", which contains numismatic collection of about 20,000 specimens of coins, medals and modern banknotes.