The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, received today the Minister of defence, civil protection and sport of the Swiss Confederation, Ueli Maurer.

At the meeting, the sincere friendship and high-level relations between the two countries were reaffirmed, which, in continuity, are marked with a positive development. The meeting was also used to discuss and extend satisfaction with the successfully implemented reforms, the persistence of the members of the army, as well as the support of the Swiss Confederation, thanks to which we have two distinguished and recognized centers, a communication skills training centre and a medical personnel training centre in the military-medical center.

President Ivanov underlined that the relations between the Republic of Macedonia and the Swiss Confederation are very good, without any open issue, particularly in the economic cooperation, which can be further promoted. President Ivanov stressed that there is a great possibility to increase the economic cooperation between the two countries, considering the fact that the Macedonian Diaspora in Switzerland exceeds the number of 60.000. The Diaspora is certainly a binding bridge.

Minister Maurer, during the talks, extended his huge appreciation to the members of the Macedonian army, pointing out that the armies are always there for the safety of the population and expressed readiness to further improve the cooperation in the sphere of defence between the two countries.