The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, received today at a farewell meeting the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to the Republic of Macedonia, H.E. Mr. Omur Sholendil.

At the meeting, they exchanged views and information on the current situation in both countries and in the region, as well as the current challenges of the migrant and security crisis.

President Ivanov expressed gratitude for the contribution of Ambassador Sholendil for the excellent bilateral relations between the Republic of Macedonia and the Republic of Turkey which are at the level of strategic partnership, as well as for the intensification and deepening of the cooperation in the field of economy, tourism, culture, education and in other areas of mutual interest.

The Macedonian President noted that we highly appreciate the fact that the Republic of Turkey is one of the most vocal promoters for the Republic of Macedonia's integration into NATO and expressed confidence that the close and friendly relations, as well as the political dialogue at all levels, will continue to enhance in the future.

Ambassador Sholendil expressed gratitude for the support of the Macedonian institutions in the exercise of his diplomatic activity, noting that both countries are also sharing a common history and culture which are an excellent basis for the bilateral and multilateral cooperation to be at a privileged level and be constantly intensified.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, met today with Mr. Martin Stropnicky, Minister of Defense of the Czech Republic, who is paying an official visit to the Republic of Macedonia.

At the meeting, President Ivanov expressed satisfaction with the development of the bilateral relations between the Republic of Macedonia and the Czech Republic and highlighted the continuing political dialogue and fruitful cooperation in all spheres of mutual interest. The Macedonian President was informed about the proposals for the development of mutual military cooperation and exchange of experience in dealing with threats.

In this context, President Ivanov welcomed the efforts for expansion of the bilateral cooperation in the defense sector, as well as for strengthening the inter-army cooperation between the two countries.

Concerning Macedonia's strategic goals, membership in NATO and the European Union, the Macedonian President stressed the importance of the current open and principled support that our country receives from the Czech Republic, and expressed expectation that it will continue in the future.

President Ivanov and Minister Stropnicky exchanged views and information on the current developments regarding the migrant and refugee crisis and the safety and security challenges.

The Macedonian President thanked for the overall support and assistance that the Czech Republic has given to our country in dealing with the migrant crisis, through the presence of forces and equipment for the purpose of more effective protection and border surveillance and reduction of security risks in the crisis area.

President Ivanov said that in the interest of the future European security framework, it is necessary to review the laws on the future role of the army in support of civilian authorities in dealing with migrant crisis, in border protection, in counter-terrorism and natural disasters and accidents prevention.

The interlocutors agreed that common interest is the intensification of cooperation between the two armies and security services, establishing greater dynamics in the defense sector through the exchange of experiences and initiatives and implementation of joint military exercises and participation in peacekeeping missions.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, on the occasion of the death of Mr. Michal Kovac, the first democratically elected president of the Slovak Republic and one of the founders of the Movement for Democratic Slovakia, sent a letter of condolences to Mr. Andrej Kiska, President of the Slovak Republic.

Dear Mr. President,

With deep sorrow I learned of the death of one of the founders of the Movement for Democratic Slovakia and the first democratically elected president of the Slovak Republic, Mr. Michal Kovac.

Allow me, Mr. President, in this sad moment for you and for the Slovak people, on behalf of the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia and on my personal behalf, to extend my sincere condolences. At the dawn of independence of the Slovak Republic, President Kovac contributed to the democratization of the state and its European and Euro-Atlantic integration. Thanks to his efforts, the Slovak Republic today is an important and respected member of the European Union and NATO.

It was in his time that the Republic of Macedonia and the Slovak Republic established diplomatic relations, building on the deep roots of the Macedonian-Slovak friendship.

Please, Mr. President, convey the condolences to the friendly Slovak people and the family Kovac.

Dr. Gjorge Ivanov

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, met today with Mr. Mladen Ivanic, a member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, who is paying a working visit to the Republic of Macedonia.

Both interlocutors concluded that there is good bilateral cooperation between the two countries, without open issues, and expressed mutual interest in strengthening and deepening of the cooperation in all spheres of mutual interest.

At the meeting, they exchanged views on the situation in the region in the context of the current challenges and its Euro-Atlantic prospects. The Presidency member Ivanic informed President Ivanov on the current political and economic situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina and on the key challenges in the country in the coming period. In this regard, they reaffirmed the commitment for further mutual assistance, support and cooperation aimed at meeting the strategic objectives of both countries sooner.

The interlocutors exchanged information on the upcoming meetings of the regional initiatives involving both countries, and proposed ideas for promotion of the regional and multilateral cooperation. Concern was expressed for certain retrograde processes, which in the present moment, when Europe and the region are facing serious security challenges, can further worsen the situation and relations in the region.

President Ivanov stressed the Republic of Macedonia's readiness for further improvement of the relations with Bosnia and Herzegovina and deepening the cooperation especially in the field of economy and security. The economic cooperation, the interlocutors agreed, does not correspond to the level of political relations between the two countries, nor corresponds to the real possibilities and capacities.

Mutual conclusion is that it is necessary, through dialogue and accelerated integration, and by focusing on major infrastructure connections, to arrive at a political, economic and security consolidation in the region of Southeast Europe. At the same time, President Ivanov reaffirmed the interest for an official visit of the three members of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the Republic of Macedonia.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, received today Ms. Andreja Katic, Defense Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, who is paying an official visit to the Republic of Macedonia.

President Ivanov expressed satisfaction with the overall bilateral relations between the two countries and welcomed the efforts to expand bilateral cooperation in the defense sector, as well as to strengthen the inter-army cooperation between the Republic Macedonia and the Republic Slovenia.

The Macedonian President expressed appreciation for the current open and unreserved support of the Republic of Slovenia in terms of Macedonia's aspirations for membership in NATO, as well as for the consistent support of the process of European integration of the Republic Macedonia.

At the meeting, they exchanged views on the developments in respect of the migrant and refugee crisis and the security challenges in Southeast Europe. The Macedonian President expressed satisfaction with the intensive contacts between the ministries, armed forces and other competent authorities of the two countries, aimed at preventing and managing the migrant crisis and undertaking joint actions in terms of a possible new wave of migrants on the Balkan route. Furthermore, President Ivanov expressed gratitude for the ongoing support from the Republic of Slovenia in dealing with the migrant crisis and for the presence of Slovenian police at the Macedonian-Greek border.

The interlocutors expressed satisfaction with the cooperation in various segments of the defense, the exchange of experiences and support for the reform and transformation of the defense sector in line with the NATO requirements. President Ivanov also expressed interest in increasing the participation of the Army of the Republic of Macedonia in the operations led by the United Nations through joint participation with the Armed Forces of the Republic of Slovenia.