In the Presidential residence at Vodno, President d-r Gjorge Ivanov decorated former President of the Republic of Bulgaria d-r Zelu Zelev with the 8th of September Award, the highest medal issued by the Republic of Macedonia. This medal is awarded to President Zelev for his exceptional contribution in the recognition of the independence and soveregnty of the Republic of Macedonia on the part of the Republic of Bulgaria. Bulgaria was the first state that recognized Macedonias independence and gave an immense support to the further establishment of Macedonia in the international community. With this, President Zelev gave a major boost to the development of the bilateral relations and the cooperation between the two countries.

While emphasising President Zelevs contribution, President Ivanov also reminded that Bulgaria remains to this very day as a staunch supporter of the Macedonian place in the international community. Still, President Ivanov said, 18 years after the declaration of independence, Macedonia is still being faced with unprovoked challenges and obstructions. This means that the need to make historic decisions has still not passed for the Macedonian state.

- Despite all the challenges, we continue to build and improve our country and to improve our model of functioning multiethnic democracy with democratic means. We constantly choose the path of constructivness and responsibility and look for the wider regional and European goals and interests - said President Ivanov.

Former Bulgarian President Zelev expressed his gratitude for the high award he was given and reminded the public of the causes and circumstances that led to the Bulgarian recognition of Macedonia. Zelev pointed out the fact that Bulgaria remains a major supporter of the Macedonian statehood and that 127 countries, including Russia, the United States of America, China and the United Kingdom, currently recognize the Republic of Macedonia under its constitutional name. Therefore, it is a disgrace to continue obstructing Macedonia in the use of its name, said President Zelev.