The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, delivered a lecture at the Italian Institute for International Affairs in Rome, and stressed the importance of transport and communication corridors in the region and in Europe from the past to the present.

The topic of the lecture by the Macedonian President was "From Via Egnatia to Via Europe".

Before attending diplomats and students at the Institute, the Macedonian President reiterated the message of today's talks with the Italian President, Giorgio Napolitano, the importance of linking Corridor 8 and the Adriatic-Ionian high way. It is expected this proposal to be on the agenda of the Italian EU presidency that starts on July 1.

Visiting the Institute led by the former EC Vice-President and Italian Foreign Minister, Franco Frattini, a memorandum of cooperation was signed with the institute within the Macedonian Foreign Ministry.

Also today a memorandum of cooperation between the law faculties at the Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje and the University "La Sapienza" in Rome was signed.

President Ivanov in Rome is leading the Macedonian delegation on the occasion of the manifestation "Macedonia Honoring St. Cyril". Last night in the Vatican Museums an exhibition "Macedonian SLAVIC manuscripts from the 13th to the 19th Century" was opened.

Along with the 46th edition of the event, the 20th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Macedonia and the Vatican is marked.

The program of the event continues tonight with a performance of the ballet "14 Hours", produced by the Macedonian Opera and Ballet. Kiril Dzajkovski is author of the music, choreography and scenography designer is Igor Kirov, Aleksandar Noshpal is costume designer, and Natasha Poplavska is director. Aleksandra Mijalkova, Natasa Josifovska, Sasa Evtimova, Biljana Basmadzhieva, Angela Velevska, Vasil Chichijashvili, Igor Velanovski, Jan Kisilev, Agim Baftii and Ivan Boiko perform the modern ballet.

Central event in the celebration of St. Cyril event is the sermon at St. Cyril's grave in the Basilica "St. Clemente" in Rome. The service will be officiated by the European Metropolitan Pimen, accompanied by Father Kliment Mishanj of Piacenza.