The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, received today the letters of credence of the newly appointed Ambassador of the Kingdom of Denmark to the Republic of Macedonia, resident in Vienna, H.E. Mrs. Liselotte Plesner, and of the newly appointed Ambassador of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria to the Republic of Macedonia, resident in Bucharest, H.E. Mrs. Taous Djellouli.

At the meeting with the newly appointed Ambassador of the Kingdom of Denmark, H.E. Mrs. Liselotte Plesner, President Ivanov expressed satisfaction with the successful development of the Macedonian-Danish relations and with the fruitful cooperation in various areas of mutual interest and expectation for further intensification and improvement of the cooperation between the two countries.

"Our strategic goals are related to our sooner membership in the North Atlantic Alliance and the European Union. We remain strongly committed to the fulfillment of our obligations for a prosperous Europe. I am confident that the European and Euro-Atlantic integration orientation will still be a strong binding bridge in the future between the Republic of Macedonia and the Kingdom of Denmark," President Ivanov said adding that Macedonia cherishes the same European values as the Kingdom of Denmark.

The Danish Ambassador, Mrs. Plesner, said that our two countries, both small in size, share values and interests in a Europe which benefits from increased cooperation, and expressed confidence that during her tenure she will do her utmost to maintain and further strengthen the excellent relations between the Republic of Macedonia and the Kingdom of Denmark.

"Trade between our two countries is lagging behind the objective potential, but I believe that your positive development towards EU membership will contribute to improving the situation. Our two countries can rely on their traditions in trade and talent for business," said the Danish Ambassador, expressing hope for recent accession of the Republic of Macedonia in the Euro-Atlantic family.

At the meeting with the newly appointed Ambassador of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, H.E. Mrs. Taous Djellouli, President Ivanov noted that the relations between the two countries are founded on the spirit of friendship and mutual understanding, shared desire for their further intensive development and promotion of cooperation in all areas of mutual interest.

"Given the fact that the cooperation between the two countries in the past was far below the objective possibilities and needs of our two countries, I would like to stress our desire to improve the normative-legal framework for regulating the bilateral relations and cooperation, as well as our interest in strengthening the economic cooperation," the Macedonian President said in his welcome address.

The newly appointed Algerian Ambassador, Ms. Djellouli announced the ambition to develop the relations of friendship and cooperation between the two countries that offer numerous opportunities for exploitation and added that it is a great honor for her to be Ambassador of Algeria to the Republic of Macedonia, a country whose proud people have faced numerous challenges throughout their history.

"Our two nations have gone through difficult times, which they have happily known and been able to overcome. We continue to face many challenges and threats, but we have the will and determination to deal with them through dialogue and cooperation. In this respect, we are, very attentive to the efforts you make for the prosperity and peace especially, in the Balkan region," the Algerian ambassador said.

President Ivanov wished the two ambassadors success in the execution of their responsible diplomatic office and expressed support in the performance of their duties.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, sent a congratulation note to the United Nations Secretary General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon, on the occasion of October 24, the United Nations Day.

Distinguished Secretary General,

On the occasion of October 24, United Nations Day, I extend most sincere congratulations on my personal behalf and on behalf of the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia.
I take this opportunity to express our recognition to you and to the World Organization in general for the engagement and efforts you make in dealing with the numerous challenges facing humanity today. Hereby, I want to reiterate what I have said at the last session of the General Assembly, that "In this dynamic, hyper-connected and changing world, one thing remains constant, and that is the need for greater predictability. Predictability on which peace, security and stability depend, but also global welfare and progress. Mankind is faced with many challenges today, though two challenges request our full attention. The first one comes from the order of the nature, and the second of the international order. The root of the first challenge is in the human neglect of natural laws, while the second challenge arises from the violation of international law."
Therefore, I appraise your dedicated work and commitment to the effective functioning of the World Organization. Particularly important segment and key position in your and our work have the youth and the future, reducing inequality and poverty, ensuring healthier lives and well-being for all at all ages, climate change impact mitigation, namely full implementation of the Millennium Development Goals.
But what I would like to emphasize right now is our shared commitment to the youth. Hence, I would like to commend on the event organized by the United Nations Resident Coordinator in the Republic of Macedonia to mark the UN Day, dedicated to the youth and their vision for the future, titled "The World We Want in 2030".

Distinguished Secretary General,

As I said during our recent meeting, I would like to assure you that in the performance of your very important mission, you may always count on my and the Republic of Macedonia strong and consistent support.
Wishing you lots of future successes in the execution of this responsible office, please accept, Mr. Secretary-General, the assurances of my highest consideration.
Congratulations on the United Nations Day!

Dr. Gjorge Ivanov

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, marking the national holiday October 23 - Day of the Macedonian Revolutionary Struggle, sent a congratulation message to the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia.

Respected Citizens of the Republic of Macedonia,

The celebration of the day of the Macedonian revolutionary struggle symbolizes the continuity of the Macedonian aspirations to freedom and statehood. On this day we honor the Macedonian visionaries and revolutionaries, all known and unknown activists and fighters who fought and won our freedom.

The road to freedom started on October 23, 1893, by the six Macedonian patriots was walked by the Ilinden fighters of 1903 and by the fighters in the National Liberation War and the anti-fascist struggle of 1944. The road to freedom was finalized by the Macedonian citizens, on the third Ilinden, September 8, 1991.

Our duty is to fulfill the covenant of our ancestors - to preserve in unity and togetherness our Republic of Macedonia, regardless of ethnic, religious, political or any other affiliation. Macedonia is one and unique, and our task is to leave it to our children. Together and united to build the future and prosperity of European and Euro-Atlantic Republic of Macedonia. Those who dreamt of an independent and democratic Macedonian state can be proud with the generations to come.

Congratulations on the Day of the Macedonian Revolutionary Struggle!

Dr. Gjorge Ivanov

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, received today a delegation of the Board of Directors of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

The meeting discussed the cooperation between the Republic of Macedonia and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, which dates from 1993 and is assessed as extremely successful.

President Ivanov expressed his appreciation for the role and involvement of the EBRD as one of the biggest supporters of the Republic of Macedonia's development through the implementation of several projects, naming the projects related to the road infrastructure, transport and energy as projects of special significance.

Both sides exchanged views and information on the situation in the wider region. In that context, the EBRD delegation expressed appreciation and stressed the role of the Republic of Macedonia and of President Ivanov for his engagement in regional terms and welcomed the efforts to reify projects that will result in infrastructure connectivity throughout the region of Southeast Europe.

At the meeting, the EBRD delegation reaffirmed their willingness to further support the development of the Republic of Macedonia in accordance with our needs. Particular emphasis was placed on the big infrastructure projects, such as corridors 8 and 10, and the energy projects.

The collocutors agreed that the cooperation between the Republic of Macedonia and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development can further deepen and intensify in the future so as to strengthen the economic development of the country.

Asked by the members of the Board of Directors of the EBRD, President Ivanov informed on the current economic situation in the Republic of Macedonia, on the regional cooperation and the country's strategic goals, as well as on the latest developments in the field of the Euro-Atlantic integration of the Republic of Macedonia. In that context, President Ivanov briefed the collocutors on the process of overcoming the name dispute with our southern neighbor, which is the only obstacle to the continuation of the integration process, emphasizing that the blockades do not discourage us to continue the reforms, to attain the European values and criteria, and to achieve economic results.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, received today in a farewell meeting H.E. Ms. Mariette Schuurman, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Netherlands.

At the meeting, President Ivanov expressed satisfaction with the cooperation with Ambassador Schuurman, wishing her success in her future career.

The bilateral relations between the two countries are friendly and marked with a steady positive development, assessed the two interlocutors. The Macedonian President expressed appreciation for the support of the Kingdom of Netherlands to the Republic of Macedonia in meeting the highest strategic goals, full-fledged membership in the European Union and NATO. In terms of future cooperation, President Ivanov stressed the interest and readiness for intensification and promotion of the relations with the Kingdom of Netherlands.

The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Netherlands, Ms. Schuurman, expressed her gratitude for the hospitality shown during her tenure and satisfaction with the performance of her diplomatic duty in the country.

At the meeting, they exchanged views and information on the strategic goals of the Republic of Macedonia and on the current developments in both countries.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, received today the letters of credence of the newly appointed Ambassadors of the Republic of Turkey and the Kingdom of Spain to the Republic of Macedonia.

The meeting with the newly appointed Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey, H.E. Mr. Omur Solendil, expressed satisfaction with the excellent bilateral relations between the Republic of Macedonia and the Republic of Turkey which are at the level of strategic partnership, and willingness to further intensify and deepen the cooperation in the field of economy, tourism, culture, education and in other areas of mutual interest.

President Ivanov stressed that we highly appreciate the fact that the Republic of Turkey is a longstanding and vocal supporter of the usage of the constitutional name of our country and is one of the most vocal promoters of Macedonia's integration into NATO.

"The Republic of Macedonia particularly values the fact that the Republic of Turkey is consistent in its unreserved support to our full-fledged membership in NATO. My position is clear and well known, Macedonia's membership in NATO is not only a benefit for us, but for the entire region and the Alliance. On behalf of the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia and on my personal behalf, I would like to express my gratitude for the overall strong and open support," President Ivanov said, adding that our country is interested in maximum cooperation with the Republic of Turkey within the Alliance of Civilizations, where both countries have a lot to say and offer, which from day to day confirms its viability.

The Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey, H.E. Mr Omur Solendil said that he will invest all his efforts to further develop the already existing excellent bilateral relations and cooperation.

"Our shared history and culture are the necessary foundation to ensure that our bilateral and multilateral relations and cooperation are constantly on a privileged level. One of the basic postulates of these relations is the presence of our compatriots who live as loyal citizens in the multi-ethnic Macedonia with the greatest desire to strengthen the Republic of Macedonia in all fields," Ambassador Solendil said.

The meeting with the newly appointed Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain, H.E. Mr. Ramon Abaroa Carranza, expressed satisfaction with the friendly relations between Macedonia and Spain which mark this year a jubilee - 20 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, and expectation to intensify political dialogue and deepen cooperation in economy, education and science.

President Ivanov in his welcome address expressed his gratitude for the support of the Kingdom of Spain for the European and Euro-Atlantic integration of the Republic of Macedonia, and expressed hope that it will continue in the future.

"We highly esteem the principled and consistent policy of the Kingdom of Spain for continuation of the process of enlargement of the European Union to the Western Balkan countries. The European ideals and values are firmly rooted in the Macedonian society. We are unconditionally committed to the process of consolidation of a prosperous Europe and building a common European future," President Ivanov said.

The newly appointed Ambassador, H.E. Mr. Ramon Abaroa Carranza, said that he will invest all his efforts in deepening and broadening the bilateral relations between the two countries, and in supporting the Euro-Atlantic aspirations of the Republic of Macedonia.

"Spain has always supported your Euro-Atlantic aspirations. Spain strongly advocated for the Stabilization and Association process of the entire region, adopted at the European Council in Thessaloniki in 2003. Also, Spain unreservedly supports your membership in NATO, especially in times when the world's is facing major conflicts and various crises, which pose a threat to all of us," Ambassador Carranza said.

President Ivanov congratulated the appointment to the newly appointed Ambassadors and wished them success in the execution of their responsible diplomatic duty.