The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, today, in "Villa Biljana" in Ohrid, met with representatives of the Turkish Agency for Cooperation and Coordination - TIKA, led by the President of TIKA, Dr. Serdar Cam.

At the meeting, President Ivanov welcomed the projects implemented so far in the Republic of Macedonia in the field of education, health, agriculture, tourism, industry, pointing out that the projects supported by TIKA and implemented in the Republic of Macedonia have positive effect on the overall relations between the Republic of Macedonia and the Republic of Turkey and are in the interest of promoting cooperation between the two friendly countries. In this context, President Ivanov reaffirmed his commitment to further support and to encourage future activities of TIKA in the country.

The Macedonian President urged the delegation of TIKA, led by Dr. Cam, that the Turkish experiences are always welcome in the country, adding that their projects contribute to the strengthening of the institutions through the specific technical cooperation, but also to maintaining closeness between the peoples.

At the meeting, President Ivanov sent greetings to the President of the Republic of Turkey, Mr. Abdullah Gul, Prime Minister Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Foreign Minister, Mr. Ahmet Davutoglu and to the entire Turkish nation. He also noted that he is following with great attention the current events in Turkey and he expressed his expectation that Turkey will continue its path to prosperity and development. President Ivanov said as Macedonia enjoys unconditional support from Turkey and their leadership for the challenges it faces, Turkey, as well, enjoys our full support in dealing with the challenges it faces. Turkey and its leadership are proven friends of Macedonia, President Ivanov said at the meeting.

Dr. Serdar Cam and the representatives of TIKA, who are visiting the Balkan countries, thanked for the meeting with President Ivanov and for the possibility to present the implemented and current projects and plans for the future, noting that they particularly appreciate the continued support, ideas and personal commitment of the President, for their successful implementation. As the leadership of TIKA noted, the today's meeting with President Ivanov is a proof of the friendship between the two countries, as well as a confirmation of the readiness of the institutions in the Republic of Macedonia for further cooperation with the agency.

The Turkish Agency for Coordination and Cooperation is part of the Presidency of the Government of the Republic of Turkey which is present and operational in the Republic of Macedonia since 2005, with its Office for program coordination. TIKA has so far opened 35 offices worldwide and is implementing projects in 110 countries.