The President of the Republic of Macedonia d-r Gjorge Ivanov received a letter from the President of the Hellenic Republic d-r Karolos Papoulias. The letter is an expression of gratitude after President Ivanov congratulated President Papoulias on the occasion of the National Day of Greece. The text of the letter follows.

Mr. President,

Thank you for your letter on the occasion of the National Day of Greece.

I would like to underline that Greece's objective is the enhancement of our relations with all the countries of the region, for the benefit of political stability and economic development. In this spirit, the quick resolution of the issue of the name of your country will contribute positively in order for us to be able to further promote our bilateral relations at all levels.

As you already know, the process of negotiations under the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary General, M. Nimetz, is underway and I hope that there will be necessary good will, so that the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia will, in due course, be a member of euro-atlantic institutions.

Karolos Papoulias