The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, received today in a farewell meeting the Ambassador of Montenegro to the Republic of Macedonia, H.E. Mr. Dusan Mrdovic.

At the meeting, the collocutors expressed satisfaction with the overall development of the relations at bilateral level, which marks a positive and continuous upward trend, and with the traditionally close and excellent political relations between the two countries. Mutual conclusion was that there are no outstanding issues between the Republic of Macedonia and Montenegro, the two countries are committed to the identical foreign policy objectives, membership in NATO and the EU and intensive regional cooperation.

President Ivanov expressed satisfaction that the two countries share identical vision and priorities for the future, in terms of cooperation and mutual support in the Euro-Atlantic integration and stressed the need for further intensification of the economic cooperation.

Ambassador Mrdovic thanked for the hospitality during his tenure and expressed satisfaction with the cooperation with all Macedonian institutions and authorities.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, received today in a farewell meeting the Chief of the NATO Liaison Office to the Republic of Macedonia, Colonel Aleksandar Aleksandrov.

At the meeting, the two interlocutors expressed satisfaction with the cooperation between the Republic of Macedonia and NATO, and agreed that the relations are at an extremely high level. Particular accent was put on the Republic of Macedonia's contribution to the international peacekeeping missions.

The Republic of Macedonia is determined and resolute in meeting the strategic goals, President Ivanov said, complementing that the Republic of Macedonia has met all the criteria for membership in the Alliance and expects respect for international law and international obligations in taking its rightfully deserved membership. The Republic of Macedonia's membership to NATO is not only a benefit for us, but for the Alliance and for our region, and the Republic of Macedonia will continue to provide its contribution to the stability of the region and beyond, through participation in international peacekeeping missions, the President added.

The Macedonian President expressed appreciation for the contribution of Colonel Aleksandrov in improving the relations between the Republic of Macedonia and NATO, and wished him success in his future career.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, met today with the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Zoran Jolevski.

President Ivanov congratulated Minister Jolevski on assuming the post of Defense Minister of the Republic of Macedonia and wished him success.

At the meeting, President Ivanov and Minister Jolevski exchanged views on the development of the Army of Republic of Macedonia in accordance with the NATO priorities within the concept of "smart defense" and on the participation of the Army of Republic of Macedonia in international missions led by NATO, EU and UN. Minister Jolevski briefed President Ivanov on the planned upcoming activities related to the NATO Summit in Wales this year.

Both agreed that despite constitutional and legal obligations and duties of the Ministry of Defense and the Macedonian Army, the reform processes in order to maintain compatibility with NATO standards and Macedonia's membership in the Alliance are top priorities in the coming period. Therefore, future close cooperation and coordination between the Commander-in-Chief, the Ministry of Defense and the Army of the Republic of Macedonia were agreed. They also expressed satisfaction with the fact that the Army is an institution in which citizens have the utmost confidence and expressed willingness to maximum commitment for this perception of the citizens to continue in future.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, sent a condolence message to the President of the Republic of Bulgaria, Mr. Rosen Plevneliev, on the occasion of the devastating floods that hit the city of Varna.

Distinguished Mr. President,

I have received with sadness the news of the devastating floods that hit the city of Varna and caused a real tragedy in your country. I sincerely regret the loss of lives in this terrible natural disaster.

There are no adequate words that can ease your grief and the grief of the citizens of the Republic of Bulgaria, but allow me, on behalf of the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia and on my personal behalf, to convey expressions of deep sympathy.

Please, Your Excellency, convey my deepest condolences to the families of the victims.

Sincerely,

Dr. Gjorge Ivanov

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, sent a letter of congratulations to His Majesty Felipe VI, King of Spain, on the occasion of his taking the Spanish crown.

Your Majesty,

It gives me great honor and pleasure, on my personal behalf and on behalf of the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia, to extend cordial congratulations upon your taking of the Spanish crown.

I am strongly convinced that your commitment, leadership and modern vision will result in further overall progress of the Kingdom of Spain.

In this historic moment, I would like to commend the constant progress in the development of the relations and cooperation between our two friendly countries and reiterate that the Republic of Macedonia stands ready, with new energy, to boost the future improvement of the overall relations with the Kingdom of Spain.

On this note, I extend to you, Your Majesty, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Dr. Gjorge Ivanov