The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, received today credentials by the newly appointed Ambassadors of the Republic of Finland, Republic of Latvia and Ireland.

At the meeting with the newly appointed Ambassador of the Republic of Finland, H.E. Mr. Timo Rajakangas, the Macedonian President expressed his expectation for utilization of the potential between the two countries in promoting the Macedonian-Finnish relations. He also stressed that the Republic of Macedonia is ready to immediately begin the next phase of its EU integration.

"For us, the Finnish experience in different areas shared through the Finnish development aid and twinning projects was of particular importance. I hope that in the coming vital period we can count on the Finnish support," President Ivanov said.

Ambassador Rajakangas congratulated President Ivanov's re-election and said that Finland will still be a strong supporter of the EU enlargement policy. "We are continuously supporting the European Commission recommendations for opening negotiations with the Republic of Macedonia. Finland has a strong view that the integration process should be based on objective criteria adopted jointly. We regret that a bilateral dispute impedes progress in the case of your country and we urge the parties concerned to do all efforts to find a way to move forward without further delay," Ambassador Rajakangas said.

At the meeting with the newly appointed Ambassador of the Republic of Latvia, H.E. Mr. Alberts Sarkanis, the Macedonian President expressed satisfaction with the achieved level of relations between the two countries, adding that for the Republic of Macedonia, the EU-Atlantic integration is crucial.

"I would like to extend my gratitude for the support of the Republic of Latvia to the efforts of my country's integration into the European and Euro-Atlantic structures. I expect this support to continue in the coming crucial period, in anticipation of the meeting of the European Council and the upcoming NATO Summit," President Ivanov said.

"The Republic of Latvia, according to the opportunities and position, strongly supports Macedonia's integration into the EU. Latvia will preside over the EU Council from 1 January 2015. We expect the main motives of the presidency - development, inclusion and sustainability, to be encouraging for Macedonia, too," said Ambassador Sarkanis, pledging to develop and strengthen relations between the two countries.

At the meeting with the newly appointed Ambassador of Ireland, H.E. Mr. Gerard Core, President Ivanov stressed that the Republic of Macedonia highly appreciates the support that Ireland gives in continuity in achieving our strategic goals for membership in NATO and the European Union, and added that the Macedonian-Irish relations are developing in a spirit of friendship.

"The Republic of Macedonia is unconditionally committed to the process of consolidation of a prosperous Europe and building a common European future. Our primary concern is stability and security in the Balkans and the region's full integration into the Union," President Ivanov said.

Ambassador Core pointed out that Ireland praises Republic of Macedonia's achievements in the past years and its aspirations for EU membership.

"Ireland shares the position of the European Union that the prospects of the European integration are a powerful segment in promoting stability in Macedonia and the wider Balkan region," the Irish Ambassador said in his speech.

President Ivanov wished success in the execution of their duty to all newly appointed Ambassadors and expressed hope that their efforts will contribute to the improvement of the established bilateral relations.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, received today credentials by the newly appointed Ambassadors of the Republic of Poland, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Albania.

The meeting with the newly appointed Ambassador of the Republic of Poland to the Republic of Macedonia, H.E. Mr. Jacek Stefan Multanowski, expressed satisfaction with the political dialogue and overall relations between the two countries, and expectation of further strengthening of cooperation in the sphere of economy.

President Ivanov, in his welcome address, thanked for the ongoing support of the Republic of Poland in terms of European and Euro-Atlantic integration and expressed hope that it will continue in the coming, for us very important period. "The Republic of Macedonia requires fair and equal treatment of the EU member states, and expects the positive example of parallel movement in integration and overcoming bilateral issues to be applied in our case, too," President Ivanov said.

The new Ambassador of the Republic of Poland renewed the interest in developing economic cooperation and expressed confidence that his main goal will be to intensify relations in all areas. "My country has actively advocated the policy of enlargement. The Republic of Macedonia can count on the Polish support for the EU and Euro-Atlantic integration process," Ambassador Multanowski said.

At the ceremony of presenting credentials by the newly appointed Ambassador of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, H.E. Mr. Charles Edmond Garrett, President Ivanov expressed hope for further intensification of the cooperation and support on our EU and NATO integration.

"The Republic of Macedonia is determined and resolute in meeting its strategic objectives, membership in NATO and the European Union. The Republic of Macedonia has met all the criteria for membership and is ready immediately, without delay to start the next phase in the EU integration. The Republic of Macedonia requires fair and equal treatment of the EU member states and expects the positive example of parallel movement in the integration and overcoming the bilateral issue 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 membership in NATO is not only a benefit for us, but for the Alliance and for the region. We sincerely hope and expect that the UK will consider our arguments, our achievements, and that the support in the implementation of our goals will continue in the coming crucial period," the Macedonian President said in his welcome address.

The newly appointed British Ambassador reaffirmed the support of the United Kingdom for the Macedonian aspirations to join the EU and NATO. "I would like to see the Republic of Macedonia in the Euro-Atlantic family of nations. The commitment of the Republic of Macedonia and its contribution to the maintenance of the international security and peace building is well known. I take this opportunity to express my respect for Macedonia's contribution to the NATO-led operations, the EU and the UN and your ambition to continue with your contribution," Ambassador Garrett said in his address.

At the meeting with the newly appointed Ambassador of the People's Republic of China, H.E. Mr. Wen Zhenshun, the two interlocutors expressed readiness for active and close cooperation and further promotion of friendly relations.

"With mutual engagement we have achieved a lot, and I think we can be satisfied with the achieved level of friendly relations and cooperation. Therefore, I can gladly reiterate the conclusion of the recent meeting with my counterpart, His Excellency, Mr. Xi Jinping, that today the relations between the Republic of Macedonia and the People's Republic of China are at the highest historical level," said President Ivanov, pointing to the successful cooperation in the economy, investment, infrastructure, education.

In his address, the new Chinese Ambassador welcomed the progress made in the Republic of Macedonia and the positive role in promoting regional stability and cooperation. "China attaches importance to promoting relations with Macedonia. We are ready to jointly strengthen political relations, to use all possibilities for cooperation between China and Central and Eastern Europe countries, and to expand cooperation in all areas of common interest in order to improve our friendly relations," Ambassador Zhenshun said.

At the meeting with the new Ambassador of the Republic of Albania, H.E. Petrit Bushati, both interlocutors have confirmed interest in further development of good neighborly relations, bilateral cooperation and achieving the common strategic goal - EU membership.

"Good neighborly relations and cooperation is one of the priorities of the Republic of Macedonia, and we are fully ready for close cooperation and implementation of joint projects aimed at improving the overall relations and bonds between our two societies. Equally important is to create environment and conditions in which the business communities of both countries will be able to successfully cooperate," President Ivanov said.

"Albania is ready to support the Republic of Macedonia's membership in NATO, believing that it will contribute to increased stability and peace in the region," Ambassador Bushati said in an address at the ceremony of presenting his credentials.

President Ivanov congratulated all newly appointed ambassadors their mission and wished them success in the execution of their responsible diplomatic duty.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, sent a congratulation message to Mr. Petro Poroshenko on the occasion of his election as President of Ukraine

Respected Mr. Poroshenko,

It gives me distinct honor and pleasure, on behalf of the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia and on my personal behalf, to extend cordial congratulations on your election as President of Ukraine, with sincere wishes for successful execution of this high and responsible mission.

I take this opportunity to reiterate my personal belief that in the period ahead, with mutual efforts, we will be able to contribute to the strengthening of the traditionally friendly relations and to even more fruitful cooperation, both at bilateral and multilateral level.

Your Excellency, given the current situation in Ukraine, I would like to assure you that the Republic of Macedonia supports all the efforts that can bring peace and stability to your country. I am convinced that the friendly Ukraine, through dialogue and with political and diplomatic means will manage in addressing the challenges and proceed on the path of securing prosperous future of its citizens.

With most sincere congratulations and wishes for successful work, please accept, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Dr. Gjorge Ivanov

Distinguished Mr. President,

On behalf of the Turkish people and on my personal behalf, I would like to extend my gratitude for the massage sent, expressing condolences for the tragic mining accident in our country.

I take this opportunity to renew my best wishes for your health and happiness and prosperity and wellbeing of the friendly people of the Republic of Macedonia.

Abdullah Gul

President of Turkey