The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, received today in a farewell meeting the Ambassador of the Republic of Austria in the Republic of Macedonia, H.E. Thomas Michael Bayer.

At the meeting, the two interlocutors expressed satisfaction with the excellent bilateral relations, which are characterized by continuous political dialogue and a dynamic cooperation in several areas of mutual interest.

In this context, President Ivanov stressed that the numerous meetings and contacts with his Austrian counterpart, President Fischer, only confirm the sincere friendship and the positive development of the relations between Macedonia and Austria.

The Macedonian President expressed gratitude for the open and strong support by the Republic of Austria to the highest strategic objectives of the Republic of Macedonia, EU and NATO.

"The citizens of the Republic of Macedonia see in Austria the biggest and most principled supporter of the European integration of the Republic of Macedonia, and because of this fact, as well as because of the economic ties and Austrian investments, your country enjoys a great reputation in the Republic of Macedonia", President Ivanov said.

The Austrian Ambassador Bayer thanked for the hospitality during his tenure, expressing satisfaction with the performance of his diplomatic duties in the country. He added that Austria will continue to support the Euro-Atlantic aspirations of the Republic of Macedonia, and that his country will further foster friendship and cooperation with the Republic of Macedonia.

Following the political agreement reached and in the wake of the Vienna Conference in August, Ambassador Bayer stressed that he is leaving the country with optimism for the Euro-Atlantic perspective of the Republic of Macedonia, and with positive experiences and great respect for the model of interethnic coexistence which is being practiced in Macedonia.

At the meeting, President Ivanov expressed satisfaction with the cooperation with Ambassador Bayer and wished him success in his further career.

Respected Mr. President,

With profound sorrow and feeling of indignation I received the news of the terrorist attacks in Suruc, Republic of Turkey, and deeply regret the loss of lives in this criminal act.

In these sad moments for you, for the citizens of your country and the families of the victims and the injured, let me extend, on behalf of the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia and on my personal behalf, my deepest condolences. Please be assured that the thoughts of the Macedonian citizens are with you and with the friendly Turkish people.

Mr. President, this dreadful act, as well as all cowardly acts of terrorism in which innocent people are victims, will not waver us in our perseverance to preserve the shared human and civilization values and gains. On the contrary, this brutal terrorist attack has once again shown the importance of the universal values promoted by the Republic of Macedonia in the Alliance of Civilizations.

We have witnessed that terrorism has neither a religion nor a nationality. Unfortunately, terrorism is a global threat that requires global cooperation and mutual support, without any kind of prejudice.

May you please Mr. President convey the condolences to the families of the victims.

Dr. Gjorge Ivanov

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, on the occasion of the Muslim holiday of Ramadan, sent a congratulation message to the Head of the Islamic Religious Community in the Republic of Macedonia, Reis-ul-Ulema Efendi Sulejman Rexhepi, to the members of the IRC Riyaset and all members of the Islamic religion in the Republic of Macedonia.

Respected Reis-ul-Ulema Efendi Sulejman Rexhepi,

Let me congratulate you personally, the Riyaset members, muftis, imams and all citizens of Islamic religion in the Republic of Macedonia, the holiday of Ramadan and the end of the Ramadan fasting.

On the occasion of the celebration of the holy month of Ramadan, at the invitation of my Muslim friends, I attended several Iftar dinners. These meetings are always a good opportunity to send the message that coexistence and mutual respect are a centuries-old tradition in this region.

The celebration of this great Islamic holiday reminds us that faith, commitment and prayer give spiritual peace, and respect for the close and sharing with those who have less are universal values we all strive for.

Solidarity and mutual trust are common values that unite us always. I am truly convinced that in the future we will futher foster inter-religious respect.

With such thoughts, once again, I congratulate all Islamic religion believers the holiday of Ramadan and wish you pleasant days filled with peace and prosperity.

Dr. Gjorge Ivanov

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, on the occasion of Bastille Day, the national holiday of the French Republic, sent a congratulation note to Mr. Francois Hollande, President of the French Republic.

Distinguished Mr. President,

On the occasion of Bastille Day, the national holiday of the French Republic, I have the pleasure, on behalf of the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia and on my personal behalf, to extend my most sincere congratulations and wishes for prosperity of friendly France.

Let me hereby express my high appreciation for the strengthening of the relations between the Republic of Macedonia and the French Republic.

For the Republic of Macedonia especially important is the French support for our goals, membership in NATO and in the European Union. Given the numerous security threats to the region, the prolonged status quo situation in the European and Euro-Atlantic integration of the Republic of Macedonia is not only a political but also a security issue. Therefore, the role of France, as a sincere supporter of the prospects for Euro-Atlantic integration of my country, as before, for us will be of strategic importance in the future, too.

Congratulating you once again the National Day, please, Mr. President, accept the assurances of my highest consideration.

Dr. Gjorge Ivanov

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, on the occasion of the National Day of the United States, July 4 - Independence Day, sent a letter of congratulations to the President of the United States, Mr. Barack Obama.

Honorable Mr. President,

On the occasion of July 4 - Independence Day of the United States, it is my great honor and pleasure, on my personal behalf and on behalf of the Republic of Macedonia, to extend most sincere greetings and cordial wishes for prosperity of your country and welfare of the friendly American people.

The relations with the United States for us are of extreme importance, and the commitment for their further strengthening is a special interest for the Republic of Macedonia and its citizens. The United States provide a strong and continuous support to the efforts for consolidation of peace, democracy and stability in the region, as well as for achieving the strategic foreign policy goals of the Republic of Macedonia.

The long ago deserved full-fledged membership of our country in NATO and further integration into the European Union, stability and prosperity in the region, deepening of the regional cooperation and promotion of good neighborly relations remain to be top priorities but also challenges for our foreign policy. Given the numerous security threats to the region, the prolonged status quo in the Euro-Atlantic integration of the Republic of Macedonia is not only a political but also a security issue. Hence, we sincerely hope for your personal support and the support of the United States aimed at getting the deserved full-fledged membership in NATO.
At the end, I would like to convey the readiness of the Republic of Macedonia for further successful cooperation with the United States in all areas of mutual interest, as a joint contribution to the prosperity of the region of Southeast Europe, and in general, globally, as a strategic commitment of our countries.

On this note, please, Mr. President, accept the assurances of my highest consideration.

Dr. Gjorge Ivanov

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, received today Mr. Nikos Kotzias, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Hellenic Republic, who is paying a working visit to the Republic of Macedonia.

At the meeting, they exchanged views on the overall bilateral relations between the Republic of Macedonia and the Hellenic Republic. In this context, President Ivanov welcomed the harmonization of the confidence measures between the two countries, noting that it is an important step to further enhance bilateral relations and could contribute to creating a positive atmosphere for overcoming the difference over the name.

President Ivanov said that despite the open bilateral issue, the cooperation between the two societies has never been at a better level and urged that the politicians should follow this new reality that exists between the societies, the citizens and the business communities of the two countries.

"The Republic of Macedonia remains committed to building good neighborly relations and comprehensive cooperation and advocates for open dialogue in finding a solution to overcome the difference to the outstanding issue", President Ivanov said.

President Ivanov stressed the readiness of the Macedonian side for further strengthening of cooperation with the Hellenic Republic in all spheres of mutual interest. In this context, he reaffirmed the readiness for a meeting with his Greek counterpart, President Pavlopoulos.

At the meeting they exchanged views on the overall developments in the region in the context of its European and Euro-Atlantic perspective.
President Ivanov stressed that the integration of the western Balkan countries into the EU is essential for regional stability and development, and said that the EU needs to find solutions to maintain the credibility of the enlargement as its most successful policy.

Both interlocutors agreed on the necessity of cooperation and trust between the Macedonian and Greek intelligence and police services to the threats facing the region, as well as the threats to the national security of both countries.