The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, met today with the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia, H.E. Mr. Ivica Dacic, who is paying an official visit to the Republic of Macedonia.

The meeting exchanged views and information on further deepening of bilateral relations and cooperation between the two countries, as well as on the situation in the region, the regional cooperation and Euro-integration processes in both countries. Both interlocutors agreed that the political ties are at an exceptionally high level, whereas a confirmation of the good bilateral communication is the continuity of meetings of both countries' officials.

Welcoming the ongoing cooperation at governmental level and the joint session of the two Governments, President Ivanov said that this kind of cooperation is especially important for the overall friendly relations between the two countries. The cooperation focus in the future should be on strengthening the economic relations, balancing the trade exchange, promoting mutual investment, improving communication between business communities and commitment of both countries to facilitate such priorities by projects in road, rail and energy infrastructure, President Ivanov said.

Minister Dacic expressed the Republic of Serbia's readiness for building and promoting good neighborly relations in the function of security, stability and prosperity of the region, cooperation in regional initiatives and at multilateral level. The Republic of Serbia and the Republic of Macedonia have a common interest in cooperation in many spheres, and I fully agree with what should be a central focus of our cooperation for the coming period, Minister Dacic said.

The Macedonian President added that bridges of cooperation are also the Macedonians in Serbia and the Serbs in Macedonia, whose status is an example in the region of respect for the linguistic and national differences.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, met today with the President of the Government of the Republic of Croatia, H.E. Mr. Zoran Milanovic, who is paying a working visit to the Republic of Macedonia.

The meeting discussed the further strengthening of bilateral relations between the two countries, the economic and regional cooperation, as well as the situation in relation to the membership of the Republic of Macedonia into the European Union and NATO.

Both interlocutors agreed that the relations between the two countries are friendly and with confidence, without open issues, with common strategic objectives for peace and stability in the region.

President Ivanov reaffirmed our readiness to promote and increase cooperation in the field of economy, trade, tourism, adding that for this purpose it is especially important to improve the infrastructure by implementing the Adriatic-Ionian highway project. President Ivanov stressed the importance of the "Brdo-Brioni" process which is a concrete confirmation of Croatia's commitment to strengthening regional cooperation and support of the Euro-Atlantic integration of the countries in the region.

With regard to the implementation of our strategic goals, President Ivanov thanked for the open support and assistance by the Republic of Croatia for the EU and NATO integration of the Republic of Macedonia, as well as for the constructive position that bilateral disputes should not be an obstacle on the Euro-Atlantic path. In this context, the Macedonian President expressed his expectation that it will continue in the future for the purpose of unblocking Macedonia's Euro-Atlantic integration.

President Ivanov welcomed the cooperation between the two governments and expressed hope for its intensification in specifying projects of common interest.

Prime Minister Milanovic stressed that strategic interest of the Republic of Croatia is full integration of the region into the Euro-Atlantic structures, adding that Croatia will continue with its constructive role and commitment in terms of Macedonia's EU and NATO accession.

President Ivanov and Prime Minister Milanovic expressed satisfaction with the current development of relations and cooperation between the Republic of Macedonia and Croatia, which are marked by strong friendship and identical positions on the development of regional and international cooperation.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, on the occasion of September 8, Independence Day of the Republic of Macedonia, sent a congratulation message to the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia.

Respected Citizens of the Republic of Macedonia,

23 years ago, united in the intention to be on their own, the citizens on September 8, 1991, on our third Ilinden, boldly, decisively and responsibly fulfilled the centuries-old dream of our ancestors for free, independent and sovereign Republic of Macedonia.

In the past 23 years, we have experienced moments of celebration and of disappointment, too. We rejoiced the independence; we endured numerous temptations, and remained faithful to our righteous path. The path was uneasy, but helped us build a strong sense of our own country, to be stronger, more united and more successful.

Today we are proud that we managed to build Macedonia as a democratic country ruled by law. Committed to achieving our European and Euro-Atlantic future, we have opened Macedonia to the world and made it internationally recognized and respected.

The third Ilinden is a day of gratitude to the heroes, Ilinden and ASNOM fighters, a day of commitment to the heroes of the future - our children. The covenant of our ancestors is to pave a secure path for our children. Every new reform, every new law, every new investment, every new job is an investment in the future of our young people.

Investing in our present is investing in their future. We continue to build Macedonia as economically strong and developed, advanced and successful country. Macedonia which cherishes old traditions of coexistence, acceptance and respect for diversity, a country of welfare and solidarity, a country of innovation and new technologies. We can achieve this only in unity, which was best proven on today's great day.

Congratulations on September 8, Independence Day of the Republic of Macedonia!

Dr. Gjorge Ivanov

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, received today in a farewell meeting the Ambassador of Canada to the Republic of Macedonia, H.E. Roman Vashchuk.

Both interlocutors expressed satisfaction with the overall relations between the two countries which are characterized by positive development dynamics without open issues, continuous political dialogue, strengthened bilateral contacts and important cooperation in many areas of mutual interest.

President Ivanov thanked for the personal commitment and contribution of Ambassador Vashchuk in the development of bilateral relations and in the intensification of cooperation between the two countries, reaffirming our willingness to strengthen and deepen the political ties and enhance the cooperation in all areas of shared interest.

Ambassador Vashchuk expressed gratitude for the hospitality shown during his term and satisfaction with the cooperation with all Macedonian institutions.

Both interlocutors stressed the important role of the Macedonian immigrant community in Canada as a link between the two countries that should be further maintained and strengthened