The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, at a ceremony held at the Charles University in Prague, the Czech Republic, received the 2014 Freedom Award of the Fund for American Studies.

The American Institute on Political and Economic Systems of the Fund for American Studies selected President Ivanov to receive the award for his achievements in promoting economic freedom, reducing tax and unemployment rates, increasing transparency and improving public education.

According to President Ivanov, the award of the Fund for American Studies based in Washington shows that Macedonia is a role model in the region of implementing reforms.

"This award is not only an honor, but a commitment. Commitment to promote the ideas of freedom, democracy and prosperity. This award is not only for me personally, but is an award for the Republic of Macedonia, because all the reforms are recognized, all endeavors, everything that Macedonia does to have a successful economy. All the reforms undertaken bring results and that is observed and rewarded. Thus, Macedonia in this respect, through this award, is a positive example in the region of how the reforms should be implemented in the sphere of economy, to be more successful and more jobs to be opened for young people, a problem that is not just ours, but of the entire continent," said President Ivanov in Prague.

"President Ivanov implemented political reforms which led to the improvement of the judicial system, promoted transparency and reduced corruption. These political and economic reforms brought Macedonia closer to meeting the standards for joining the European Union. In the field of regional cooperation in political and economic terms, President Ivanov significantly expanded the diplomatic ties of Macedonia, holding more than 200 bilateral meetings with heads of state and more than 150 meetings with prime ministers and foreign ministers," said Mr. William Bill Hybl, presenting the award for President Ivanov.

The Freedom Award of the Fund for American Studies is awarded each year to outstanding leaders from eastern and central Europe for their achievements in promoting democratic values and economic freedom in their region.

Previous award winners include the former Serbian Prime Minister, Zoran Djindjic, the former Serbian President, Boris Tadic, the former President of the Czech Republic, Vaclav Klaus, the former Polish President, Lech Walesa, and the former Spanish Prime Minister, Jose Aznar.

The prestigious Fund, based in Washington, founded in 1967, organizes programs for students from the US, Europe, Middle East, Asia and Latin America whose interests include areas such as political leadership, journalism, foreign affairs, business etc.