The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, received today in a farewell meeting the Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to the Republic of Macedonia, resident in Sofia, H.E. Teresita de Jesus Capote Camacho.

At the meeting, President Ivanov expressed his satisfaction with the cooperation with the Ambassador, and her contribution and commitment to the enhancement of the bilateral relations and cooperation between the two countries.

They both agreed at the meeting that the cooperation between the two countries in the coming period should be directed to boosting economy and cooperation in the field of culture, education, science and healthcare, which requires regulation of the legal framework.

At the interest of President Ivanov, Ambassador Teresita informed on the current situation in Cuba, with changes in the economic sphere that Cuba is currently doing, detailing the foreign investment law passed recently by the Parliament of Cuba as an opportunity to develop economic cooperation.

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, on the occasion of the National Day of Canada, sent a congratulation message to H.E. Mr. David Johnston, Governor General of Canada

Your Excellency,

On the occasion of the National Day of Canada, I have the honor and pleasure, on my personal behalf and on behalf of the people of the Republic of Macedonia to extend my cordial greetings and sincere wishes for prosperity of your country and wellbeing of the friendly people of Canada.

I take this occasion to renew my satisfaction with the extremely positive development of relations and continuing political dialogue and fruitful cooperation between our two countries in many areas of mutual interest, which confirms the traditional friendship that binds us.

Also, I would like to express my deep conviction that in the period to come our bilateral relations will continue to develop with an even stronger dynamic, open and constructive dialogue of mutual understanding and trust, as well as with stronger economic relations.

Allow me to express my great appreciation for the strong and consistent support that your country provides for the Republic of Macedonia's efforts for full integration into the Euro-Atlantic structures as soon as possible, for which, I sincerely hope, will continue unabated in the coming period.

With such conviction and most sincere wishes for your further success and good health, please accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Dr. Gjorge Ivanov

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, held in Sarajevo today a working meeting with the President of the Republic of Austria, H.E. Mr. Heinz Fischer.

At the meeting, the two presidents exchanged views on the bilateral relations and cooperation between the Republic of Macedonia and the Republic of Austria, the political and economic situation in the Republic of Macedonia, its integration into the European Union and NATO, as well as on the situation in the region.

President Ivanov and President Fisher referred to the excellent bilateral relations between the two countries and the dynamic cooperation in many areas. The two presidents stressed the need and expectation that in the future the two sides should focus on enhanced economic cooperation.

In the context of the European integration of the Republic of Macedonia, President Ivanov expressed his appreciation for the continued strong support from the Republic of Austria.

President Ivanov reiterated that the opening of accession negotiations for membership in the European Union remains the most important goal for the Republic of Macedonia, saying it would undoubtedly contribute to strengthening of the multi-ethnic cohesion in the Republic of Macedonia, to strengthening of the reform process and to successfully facing the challenges.

"The Republic of Macedonia is decisive in meeting the set strategic objectives - European Union and NATO membership. The Republic of Macedonia has met all the criteria for membership in the Alliance and is ready immediately, without delay to start the next phase in EU integration. The Republic of Macedonia wants fair and equal treatment of the EU member states, i.e. expects the positive example of parallel movement in the integration and overcoming bilateral issues to be applied in our case, too. The Republic of Macedonia also requires respect for international law and international obligations. The Republic of Macedonia's EU and NATO membership is not only a benefit for us, but for the Union, the Alliance and for our region," President Ivanov said.

At the meeting, President Fisher noted that it is necessary to intensify efforts for the next step in terms of integration into the European Union and that the Republic of Macedonia, as before, can count on the Austrian support.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, marking the start of Ramadan fasting, sent a congratulation message to the Head of the Islamic Religious Community in Macedonia, Reis-ul-Ulema Sulejman Efendi Rexhepi, to the Riyaset members and to all members of the Islamic faith in the Republic of Macedonia.

Respected Reis-ul-ulema Sulejman Efendi Rexhepi,

Let me congratulate you personally, the Islamic Religious Community Riyaset members and all people of Islamic faith in the country the start of Ramadan fasting.

Marking the start of the great fast of Ramadan holiday, which, according to the Muslim belief, is the month of forgiveness, perseverance and commitment to faith, I believe that this year's celebration will pass in the spirit of sharing love, compassion and kindness.

The belief teaches us to respect the religious and spiritual values and to unity among people in the spirit of inter-religious tolerance, regardless of religious, ethnic and political affiliation.

From all my heart, I wish that Ramadan fasting is filled with harmony! May you joyfully celebrate this great holiday! I wish the members of the Islamic community in this country a family warmth, peace and love.

Dr. Gjorge Ivanov

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, received today a delegation from the University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, the People's Republic of China.

During the meeting, they exchanged views on the initiatives and projects that were discussed during the visit of President Ivanov to the University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Chengdu, in terms of establishing cooperation with universities in the Republic of Macedonia, of applying and introducing traditional Chinese medicine in our health system, as well as training and education of staff.

President Ivanov expressed satisfaction with the opportunity to reciprocate the hospitality that was offered to him during his visit to the University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Chengdu, within his visit to the People's Republic of China last October, which opened doors to new opportunities for cooperation in various areas of mutual interest.

Expressing gratitude for the reception, the representatives from the University of Traditional Chinese Medicine expressed hope that their visit would open a new chapter in the cooperation between the two countries in the fields of education, health and medicine.