The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, on the sidelines of the Crans Montana Forum in Geneva, held a meeting with the United Nations High Commissioner on Human Rights, Mr. Zeid Ra'ad Al-Hussein.

At the meeting, they exchanged views and information on the priorities of the Republic of Macedonia during its Human Rights Council membership, as well as the current situation and challenges to human rights internationally and regionally.

President Ivanov stressed that the Republic of Macedonia's membership in the Human Rights Council for the period 2014-2016 is an honor and a serious responsibility, given the support that our country gives to this body since its inception.

"The Republic of Macedonia, through its membership, will play an active role and will provide substantive contributions to the work and further profiling of the Council, as protector and promoter of universal human rights around the world," President Ivanov said and added that our country remains firmly committed to further promote the highest human rights standards at the international level.

The Macedonian President informed the Commissioner Al Hussein on the Macedonian model of integration without assimilation which fosters the highest standards of protection of human rights and the rights of communities and is a positive example in our region. In terms of further development and promotion of human rights in the region, President Ivanov noted that additional commitments and determination that would contribute to a greater level of protection of human rights are needed.

Commissioner Al Hussein said he is especially honored by the visit and meeting with the Macedonian President. "This is the first visit of a head of state upon my election, therefore, your visit is of special importance for me. I am ready to work closely with you in the promotion of human rights," the High Commissioner said, in recognition of the activities and engagement of the Republic of Macedonia within the Human Rights Council and generally in the UN system for human rights protection.