The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, today in Bitola had a meeting with Mr. Christian Thimonier, Ambassador of the French Republic to the Republic of Macedonia and visited the French Alliance in Bitola. The visit and the meeting were implemented in the wake of the participation of President Ivanov at the 16th Summit of La Francophonie, which will take place on November 26 to 27 in Madagascar.

The Republic of Macedonia is a full member of the International Organization of La Francophonie since 2006, and the participation of President Ivanov at the 16th Francophonie Summit will be the first participation of the Republic of Macedonia at the level of President since its full membership in the Organization.

After the meeting, the French Ambassador Thimonier said that it was his great honor to accompany the President of the Republic of Macedonia on his visit of the French Alliance in Bitola and welcomed the decision of President Ivanov to participate in the Francophonie Summit.

"The President of the Republic of Macedonia expressed particular interest in the French language regarding his upcoming participation in the Francophonie Summit, which will be held in Madagascar in the presence of many heads of state and government and with this activity expressed support to learning the French language in Macedonia", Ambassador Thimonier said. He added that openness to learning French is a real passport to the European Union and to the whole world. "It is very important for Macedonia to find its place in all international bodies; Macedonia is full-fledged  member along with 57 other countries of the international organization of the Francophonie. France wants to help Macedonia the Macedonian voice to be heard",Ambassador Thimonier said.

At the meeting they exchanged views on the overall bilateral relations between the two countries, and expressed satisfaction with the positive dynamics in their development.

President Ivanov and Ambassador Thimonier exchanged views and information on the current political and economic situation in the Republic of Macedonia, on the situation in the region from the aspect of the migrant crisis and security challenges.

In terms of the European and Euro-Atlantic perspective of the Republic of Macedonia, President Ivanov expressed hope that France would help Macedonia progress in EU and NATO. The Macedonian President expressed hope that the early parliamentary elections will go smoothly but will not lead to sustainable political stability without unblocking of the EU integration.

President Ivanov welcomed the engagement of France in the Brdo-Brijuni Process and expressed satisfaction with the success of the Summit in Paris, dedicated to the Balkans.