The Secretary General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon, arrived this evening at the St. Apostle Paul Airport in Ohrid, and thus launched his official visit to the Republic of Macedonia.

The first man of the World Organization was welcomed at the Ohrid Airport by the Minister of Culture, Elizabeta Kancheska-Milevska, the Macedonian Ambassador to the U.S., Zoran Jolevski, together with the UN mediator in the name talks, Matthew Nimetz.

Upon arrival, the delegation immediately headed to the residential Villa Biljana, where Ban Ki-moon was greeted by President Ivanov, who hosted a solemn dinner in his honor.

The United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, met with representatives of the Ivanov School Leaders Alumni Association (ISLAA).

At every meeting with heads of state, governments, ministers, MPs I stress the need to do more for the youth, to meet their needs and ambitions. We are witnessing their capacity. Many would say that young people are the future of the world, but what I would like to emphasize is that they are already leaders of today”, said among the other things, the UN Secretary General.

According to him, any open issue of the modern world is somehow related to the youth.

"All areas of life are related to youth in all aspects. I sincerely hope that young leaders would extend our views, our horizons", Ban Ki-moon said, appealing to the young leaders to expand their activities for a better future not only of Macedonia and Europe, but the entire world.

"The realization of any idea, or your dream, requires energy and strong personal commitment. My message to you is to invest your energy, the passion you have. Focus your ambition to provide better living conditions, not only here in Macedonia, but in the entire world, become global citizens", Ban Ki-moon said to the members of the Ivanov School of Leaders Alumni Association (ISLAA).

The Secretary General thanked President Ivanov for his vision in establishing such an institution as the School for Young Leaders.