The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, adopted a decision to appoint Dr. Vasko Naumovski, the future Macedonian Ambassador to the United States, as President's special envoy in the talks led under the UN auspices over the name difference.

The current function of a special envoy of the President in the name talks was performed by Dr. Zoran Jolevski.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, received today in a farewell meeting the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to the Republic of Macedonia, H.E. Ms. Gudrun Steinacker.

President Ivanov expressed gratitude for the ongoing personal involvement and contribution of Ambassador Steinacker in promoting bilateral relations and intensifying cooperation between the two countries.

The meeting expressed mutual satisfaction with the overall development of the relations bilaterally, which are continuously marked by a positive trend, in the economic field and in the societal and political spheres.

"Germany, as a leading European country and as one of the most important economic partners of the Republic of Macedonia, is an extremely important friend and partner of our country and we highly appreciate the role of Germany in our integration process," President Ivanov said at the meeting.

The Macedonian President stressed the need for further intensification of the good cooperation with the Federal Republic of Germany, positively evaluating the message of the German Chancellor, Ms. Angela Merkel, sent in Dubrovnik, which is yet another confirmation of the support we receive from the Federal Republic of Germany in terms of our Euro-Atlantic aspirations.

Ambassador Steinacker thanked for the hospitality during her tenure and expressed satisfaction with the execution of her diplomatic duties in the country.

Thanking for the engagement and good cooperation, President Ivanov wished Ambassador Steinacker success in her future work.

Dear Mr. President,

On behalf of the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia and in my own name, it gives me gr oneat honour and pleasure to offer you my congratulations on Germany winning the football World Cup title for the fourth time in its rich footballing history. Winning the world football crown is a testament to the top quality, togetherness and wonderful atmosphere prevailing within the German national football team. In fact, even before the start of the tournament, I felt that Germany was the favourite to win it, chiefly because of the German national team's outstanding attitude towards football, as well as its dedication, hard work and discipline. I hope that the day when our two countries' national football teams meet in a European or World Cup will not be too far away in the future, seeing as it is the desire of many football fans across the Republic of Macedonia.

Offering once again my congratulations to you and to the friendly German people, I would like to extend to you the assurances of my highest consideration.

Dr. Gjorge Ivanov

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, met today with Ms. Victoria Nuland, United States Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs.

At the meeting, they exchanged views on the overall development of bilateral relations between the Republic of Macedonia and the United States and the situation regarding the Republic of Macedonia's membership in the European Union and NATO.

Regarding the strategic goals of the Republic of Macedonia, President Ivanov stressed that the country remains fully committed to the opening of accession negotiations with the European Union and waits for an invitation for NATO membership, and expressed expectation for the US support and commitment in this respect. "The Euro-Atlantic integrations have a great cohesive power in our multiethnic society, and not coincidentally enjoy tremendous political, ethnic and social support. The protracted status quo in the integrations does not help foster the Macedonian model of coexistence, and, therefore, even more enhanced support from the United States is extremely important for the Republic of Macedonia," the Macedonian President said.

The Republic of Macedonia, as before, can still count on strong support from the United States in achieving the strategic goals, Ms. Nuland said, stressing the readiness for further close cooperation with the leaders of the Republic of Macedonia and urged all political leaders in the country to work on further strengthening of trust.

The meeting with the Assistant Secretary of State confirmed the interest of the Republic of Macedonia to intensify the strategic partnership with the United States and expressed expectation for further strengthening of the overall bilateral cooperation.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, received today in "Villa Biljana" in Ohrid the organizers of the "Ohrid Summer Festival", as well as the world famous soprano, the Italian opera star, Barbara Frittoli, the Italian baritone, Leo Nucci and the Argentinean conductor, Luis Gorelik, who will open this year's 54 edition of the festival.

Ahead of the opening of the "Ohrid Summer", the Macedonian President expressed satisfaction with this year's program, stressing that the festival gives exceptional contribution to the promotion of the Macedonian culture in the world, as well as the world's most significant cultural achievements to the Macedonian audience.

President Ivanov wished welcome to the world known opera star from Italy, Barbara Frittoli and to the other artists and wished them a successful performance at the opening of the festival. President Ivanov, extending his appreciation for the participation of the artists at one of our most important cultural events, said that he expected that their performance would leave a special mark on this edition of the "Ohrid Summer Festival".

Barbara Frittoli extended gratitude for the hospitality and expressed satisfaction with the opportunity for a meeting with the Macedonian President, adding that the initial impressions of the festival and the organizers are extremely positive and that she feels wonderful in Ohrid and in Macedonia.

At the meeting, the organizers of the festival informed President Ivanov on the ongoing preparations, hoping that this year's "Ohrid Summer Festival" will be a successful cultural event, with the participation of a large number of foreign artists, some of whom perform for the first time in Ohrid.

The 54 edition of the cultural manifestations "Ohrid Summer Festival" will be opened tomorrow, with a gala concert dedicated to Giuseppe Verdi, performed by Barbara Frittoli - soprano from Italy, Leo Nucia - baritone from Italy and the Macedonian Philharmonic orchestra, under the conductorship of Luis Gorelik from Argentina.