Joint action is the only way to deal with global challenges - economic crisis and potential global recession, climate change, threats from lack of food and resources, said President Gjorge Ivanov in his address at Wednesday's opening of the 14th Eurasian Economic Summit, organized by Marmara Foundation in Istanbul.

"Let's leave behind all historic misunderstandings and strengthen dialogue and cooperation. Let's work with commitment on strengthening ties among countries, underlining each individual contribution, investing in the fields we are best in", stressed Ivanov, adding that regional cooperation, coordinated investments in green and sustainable development would yield success in eradicating poverty, reducing risks and tracing a secure future.

President Ivanov expressed his confidence that all the attendees at the Forum have the same goal – to provide better living and perspectives for their citizens and better conditions which will enable them to realize their intellectual and business ideas.

"Republic of Macedonia has continually been investing in the improvement of the business climate and business conditions for domestic and foreign companies. Our goal is to achieve stable economic growth, enable development of the private sector, attract investments and open new jobs. My objective as President is to open doors and create conditions for increased economic cooperation", said Ivanov.

According to him, the Istanbul forum, which aims at linking the east and the west, and open platforms for discussion on significant geo-strategic, geo-economic and geopolitical issues, would produce fruitful debate, opinion exchange and possibilities for cooperation.

Forum participants today discuss on issues related to the regional economic cooperation, energetic potentials and security, fight against global terrorism, strengthening of the dialogue, as well as for the potential future projects.

President Ivanov will have his main address in frames of the Session of the Contemporary Sagacious Men, dedicated to the 20th anniversary since 27 countries of the region declared independence, among which is also Republic of Macedonia. He will reflect upon the newly acquired experiences, the challenges and the democratic achievements and perspectives.

The event will also host a Women’s Business Forum on the topic “The wives of the leaders as role models and their influence on policies regarding women”, at which the wife of the President of Republic of Macedonia Ms. Maja Ivanova will address.

During the visit of Turkey the Macedonian chief of state will also visit the Istanbul University and give a lecture on the topic “The megalopolis as a model for society management in the 21 century”.  The Rector of the University will award the title Doctor Honoris Causa to President Ivanov. Istanbul University is one of the oldest educational institutions in Turkey and in the world.