The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, today received the President of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts, Professor Felix Unger, who is paying a visit to the country.

At the meeting, Professor Unger handed over to President Ivanov the official invitation and program for the inauguration ceremony of the President as patron, protector of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts (EASA), being the main objectives of his visit to Macedonia. The solemn plenary session of EASA on this occasion will be held in March in Salzburg.

As patron of EASA, the President assumes the obligation to be a sponsor of events and conferences, which in the period ahead will be initiated and organized in Macedonia. President Ivanov expressed his gratitude for the honor given, which also is a great honor for the Republic of Macedonia, adding that with a special dedication he will do everything in his capacity to be a true protector of the arts and sciences in his country.

Among the patrons of the Academy are the Spanish King Juan Carlos de Borbon, the Austrian President Heinz Fischer, the Slovak President Ivan Gasparovic, the Slovenian President Danilo Turk, Prince Philippe of Belgium, the German President Christian Wulff and the Greek President Karolos Papoulias.

At the working lunch, attended by some of the Macedonian academicians, Cooperation Agreement was signed between the Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts and the EASA for several events which will be jointly organized, which will intensify cooperation with other international organizations, cultural and educational institutions in the country.

The President expressed satisfaction with the current cooperation between the Macedonian Academy and the European Academy, including the fact that nine academicians from Macedonia are currently members of the EASA.

Academician Unger informed the President and conveyed some of his impressions from the meetings he had during his visit, namely, with the Minister of Education and Science, Panche Kralev, and with the leadership of the Medical Faculty, as well as for the open opportunities for further mutual cooperation.

The President was informed about the programs of the University "Alma Mater Europea" founded in 2010 by the European Academy, where, apart from the regular studies, there are summer programs, and it was discussed to initiate a greater cooperation and exchange with President Ivanov's School for Young Leaders.