The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, today in Villa Biljana in Ohrid, received Mr. Dimitar Bogov, Governor of the National Bank of the Republic of Macedonia.

The meeting focused on the monetary policy of the Republic of Macedonia in light of the recent developments related to the Greek debt crisis and the possible impacts on our country.

Governor Bogov informed the Macedonian President on the measures and activities taken by the National Bank of the Republic of Macedonia, as well as on the possible scenarios in resolving the crisis in the Eurozone. He emphasized that the Macedonian banking system is resistant and can, without major consequences, withstand the blows of the crisis.

President Ivanov and Governor Bogov concluded that the National Bank of the Republic of Macedonia is a stable institution which has demonstrated so far its capacity in achieving financial stability and maintaining a secure and stable banking system.

President Ivanov, within his participation at the Global Security Forum "GLOBSEC 2015", today in Bratislava, met with Mr. Andrej Kiska, President of the Slovak Republic.

The meeting confirmed the very good bilateral relations and continuous political dialogue between Macedonia and Slovakia, based on the long and traditional relations of mutual understanding and friendship.

The Macedonian President informed President Kiska on the implementation of our strategic goals - membership in NATO and the EU, as well as on the current political, security and economic situation in the Republic of Macedonia.

There are positive examples of parallel movement in the integration, or, on the other hand, the name issue can be the last, 35th chapter, as possible ways to unblock the start of negotiations with the EU.

Regarding NATO, I appeal the verdict of The Hague and the Interim Accord to be respected so that we can take our rightfully deserved place, President Ivanov stressed at the today's meeting with the President of the Slovak Republic, Andrej Kiska, in Bratislava.

Membership in the EU and NATO is our highest strategic priority for which there is absolute political, ethnic and social consensus, underlined President Ivanov, stressing the need for a more serious commitment from the EU and the member-states in finding a way to unblock the Euro-Atlantic integration.

President Kiska stressed that Slovakia, as before, will continue to support the Euro-Atlantic aspirations.

The two Presidents agreed that the bilateral cooperation between the two countries is deepening in continuity, and that there is untapped potential for more intensive cooperation in many areas of mutual interest, particularly in the field of economy, investment, education, culture and tourism.

President Ivanov reaffirmed the open invitation for an official visit of his counterpart President Kiska to the Republic of Macedonia.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, on the death of the former President of the Republic of Turkey, Mr. Suleyman Demirel, sent a letter of condolences to the President of the Republic of Turkey, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

It is with deep regret that I learned of the death of the former President of the Republic of Turkey and a great friend of the Republic of Macedonia, Mr. Suleyman Demirel. Allow me, Mr. President, on my behalf and on behalf of the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia, to extend my deepest condolences.

President Demirel was our great and proven friend. In the recollection of the Macedonian citizens will remain engraved the memories of his role in the process of international recognition of the Republic of Macedonia under its constitutional name.
We remain grateful for his personal contribution to the establishment, development and strengthening of the relations, mutual respect and understanding between our two countries and peoples.

Remembered and respected will be his role in transforming the entire Balkan region, the achievement of stability and security, as well as its Euro-Atlantic future.

Please, Mr. President, convey the deepest condolences to the citizens of the Republic of Turkey and to President Demirel's family.

Dr. Gjorge Ivanov

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, received today Mr. Ivica Dacic, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia.

At the meeting they exchanged views and information on further deepening of bilateral relations and cooperation between the two countries, regional cooperation, the EU-integration processes of both countries, as well as the situation in the region.

Both interlocutors agreed that the Republic of Macedonia and the Republic of Serbia have traditionally friendly relations, intensive political dialogue at the highest level and cooperation in numerous areas of mutual interest, which in the coming period should be deepened.

Informing Mr. Dacic on the current political situation in the Republic of Macedonia, President Ivanov stressed that dedicated, responsible and leadership approach to the dialogue of all political parties is needed in order to restore political stability.

In terms of the challenges related to the stability and security of the region, President Ivanov and Minister Dacic agreed that strengthened commitment from the international community is necessary, particularly from the EU, in finding ways to unblock the European integration and reaffirm the European perspective of the Balkans, aimed at stability, security and prosperity of the region.

Especially important is greater solidarity among the countries of the region in terms of the European integration was a common conclusion of the interlocutors.

Minister Dacic pointed out that the challenges in the Republic of Macedonia can only be solved with a political will and provision of European perspectives, and added that all must work together in order to restore peace, security and stability in the region. In that context, they exchanged views and information on the role and engagement of the OSCE to increase the level of security in the region, and on a more comprehensive approach in dealing with the challenges of radicalism and extremism, on the foreign fighter phenomenon and activation of projects for de-radicalization and counter-radicalization. Mr. Dacic reiterated the support and the efforts of the OSCE and the Serbian Presidency to the Republic of Macedonia.

Both interlocutors stressed that outstanding issues and differences in our region, should not be an obstacle to the bilateral and regional cooperation, as well as an obstacle to the integration processes.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, received yesterday Mr. Daniel Mitov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria.

At the meeting they exchanged views and information on the current political and economic situation in both countries, as well as on the overall situation in the region, with a particular emphasis on the challenges related to the stability, security and Euro-Atlantic processes.

Briefing Mr. Mitov on the current political situation in the Republic of Macedonia, President Ivanov stressed that it is necessary for all political factors to act responsibly, to engage in a constructive dialogue aimed at institutional resolving of all the challenges, in compliance with the Constitution and the laws of the Republic of Macedonia. In this context, the Macedonian President pointed to the consequences of the status quo with Macedonia's European integration that come to the surface in the current political and security situation in the Republic of Macedonia.

Both interlocutors concluded that clear and firm engagement of the European Union is necessary in the process of stabilization of the country and continuation of the European and Euro-Atlantic integration.

President Ivanov and Minister Mitov confirmed the mutual interest in promoting the high level political dialogue. A common conclusion is that there is an interest between the two countries to overcome the challenges and to further strengthen bilateral relations. President Ivanov reaffirmed the commitment to dialogue and continuation of the work groups for harmonization of the Treaty on Good Neighborly Relations, Friendship and Cooperation, also reaffirming the commitment of the Republic of Macedonia for the best possible relations and cooperation with all neighbors as the highest strategic goal, in addition to the Euro-Atlantic integration and regional cooperation.

"The Republic of Macedonia and the Republic of Bulgaria share the vision of a region fully integrated into the European and Euro-Atlantic structures; in this process the support of the neighbors is essential", President Ivanov said, expressing expectation that the Republic of Bulgaria will give strong support to the immediate start of accession negotiations with the Republic of Macedonia, as well as support for NATO accession.

Both agreed that there is room to intensify the cooperation between the two countries and to strengthen the mutual confidence by implementing practical projects in the sphere of education, culture, economy, European integration process, health, infrastructure connectivity, energy, transport and environment.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, on the occasion of the National Day of the Russian Federation, sent a congratulation note to Mr. Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation.

Distinguished Mr. President,

It is my great honor and pleasure, on the occasion of the National Day of the Russian Federation, on my personal behalf and on behalf of the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia, to extend my cordial regards and sincere wishes for prosperity of your country and welfare of its people.

On this solemn occasion, I want to welcome the traditional friendship between our two countries. I also like to express satisfaction for the level reached and the continuous development of cooperation in several areas of mutual interest.

I am convinced that with mutual engagement in the coming period we will continue to strengthen the overall cooperation between the Republic of Macedonia and the Russian Federation for which, I reiterate my full readiness.

Conveying my most sincere wishes for your good health and personal happiness, please, Mr. President, accept the assurances of my highest consideration.

Dr. Gjorge Ivanov