The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov today received the Letters of Credence of the newly appointed Ambassador - Head of the Delegation of the European Union in Macedonia, H.E. Aivo Orav.

Wishing him warm welcome and success in the execution of his new responsibility, the President, in the welcome address, expressed conviction that the rich professional experience and knowledge of the Republic of Macedonia, as well as the proactive commitment of the Ambassador will contribute in attaining the ultimate goal – full fledged membership in the European Union, whereas the country has already met the criteria.

“European Union membership is the highest national strategic priority; there is continuous and solid consensus for it by the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia. The European Commission on three occasions, consequently, recommends opening of accession negotiations with the EU. Our region in the previous period in continuity has been receiving positive news; we have witnessed positive developments in the EU integrations in the entire region”, President Ivanov said at the ceremony of presenting the credentials.

He added that the Republic of Macedonia rightfully expects the EU to make a decision as soon as possible to open accession negotiations during the Danish Presidency.

“We urge and expect equal and fair treatment by the Union and its member states. We expect the positive example in the integration processes in our region, the principle of parallel movement in the integration and settlement of bilateral differences to be applied in our case as well”, President Ivanov stressed reminding that our good faith and constructive approach in overcoming the outstanding issue with Greece over the name is confirmed with the judgement of the International Court of Justice.

The EU Ambassador, Aivo Orav, said that the interest of the European Union is that a candidate country progresses towards the European Union and is able to become a full fledged member state.

"The EU continues to pay special importance to our bilateral relations, and the forthcoming high level dialogue led by the European Commission will be further sign of it. I hope that both sides will utilize those opportunities to the maximum”, Ambassador Orav said, adding that the EU pre-accession assistance is important tool to bring a candidate country closer to the Union and that the EU continues to fully support the letter and the spirit of the Ohrid Framework Agreement.