The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, visited today the municipality of Novaci and met with the Mayor, Lazar Kotevski, with the Council members and with the members of the municipality’s Economic and Social Council, as well as with the management of REK “Bitola”.

The Head of State was informed by Mayor Kotevski of the accelerated economic development of the municipality Novaci, the new investment and the international cooperation of the local government in several areas.

“Novaci, with the exploitation of the resources, has becomes an example of successful development of a municipality. This region has the highest number of sunny days per year and that is yet another potential to be utilized. Although it is a time of global crisis, however, at local level, everyone that wants to achieve something, there is nothing that can stop him. Also, can ethno-tourism be developed here, as foreign tourists would prefer to experience the way of living in the past, to find peace and tranquility in many areas within this municipality”, President Ivanov said.

He visited today the family of Nikola Veljanovski, a farmer from Novaci, who is one of the biggest corn, wheat and sunflower producers. The Family Veljanovski, who opened their home for the President, continually invested in new equipment and agricultural machines, which each year contributes to increased production. The President expressed confidence that the example of success achieved by the family Veljanovski will be followed by other families in the municipality.

President Ivanov visited the largest thermal power plant in the Republic of Macedonia, REK "Bitola" and the coal mine "Suvodol" and was informed by the management of the investment activities in the mine and in the thermal power plant.

"I was informed at the energy giant REK "Bitola" of everything that has been done so far in the thermal power plant and in the mine, as well as with the possibility for even greater exploitation, because the vast quantity of electricity the Republic of Macedonia receives from REK "Bitola". This influences our development, because if there is no long-term energy supply, it will not be possible to plan the development of our country", President Ivanov said.

During today's visit of the municipality Novaci, the President visited the monastery "Mala Bogorodica" and was welcomed by the Prespa and Pelagonia Metropolitan Peter, and in the monastery "Sv. Gjogija" laid flowers at the tomb of the Macedonian revolutionary, Gjorgji Sugarev.