The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, visited today Veles, where he was informed about the overall development of the municipality, the economic situation, as well as the future plans and projects for further development.

The meeting welcomed the initiative to recreate the idea for implementation of the project in order to make the river Vardar navigable, as well as the regional project to link the rivers Vardar, Morava and Danube with the Aegean Sea. In this context, the benefits and importance of this project for the municipality of Veles were discussed. President Ivanov said that the project will involve opening new opportunities for economies, new investment and jobs. Furthermore, the construction of this canal, the Macedonian President added, will have great significance for the development of agriculture, improvement of the hydrological situation, creation of renewable energy sources, development of tourism, which is particularly important for the cities through which the river Vardar flows.

At the meeting with the Mayor of Veles, Mr. Slavcho Chadiev, President Ivanov was informed about the ongoing projects in the municipality of Veles aimed at improving the road infrastructure, as well as the activities aimed at improving the overall conditions for the citizens. The Mayor of Veles also informed President Ivanov with the economic potential and industrial capacity in the municipality.

The Mayor of Veles expressed satisfaction with the visit of President Ivanov and thanked for the overall support of President Ivanov and his commitment to improving the overall climate and creating new opportunities for local development and prosperity.

As part of the visit to Veles, President Ivanov visited the factory of the German group "Marquardt", the biggest foreign investment in the industrial zone Karaslari, where he was introduced with the production capacities, business plans and development goals of the factory.

The Macedonian President visited in Veles the headquarters of the Vardar diocese, where he met with Metropolitan Agatangel.