The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, on the occasion of 20th anniversary since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Macedonia and the People's Republic of China, sent a message to the President of the People''s Republic of China, H.E. Xi Jinping.

Distinguished Mr. President,

On the occasion of the 20th anniversary since the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries, let me extend, on behalf of the people of the Republic of Macedonia, and on my personal behalf, particular satisfaction with the achieved high level of friendship and cooperation in the past period.

We have witnessed constant strengthening of the traditional friendship between our countries and peoples, as well as exceptionally successful and fruitful cooperation, which, undoubtedly, opens perspectives for further development of relations between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Macedonia. I would like to acknowledge that we highly appreciate the continuous constructive political dialogue and we stand ready to further work together to deepen mutual trust, strengthen friendly feelings between the two countries and peoples and enhance cooperation by introducing new forms and contents.

Given the proven friendship of the People's Republic of China towards my country, as well as the permanently determined interest of the Republic of Macedonia to attribute the highest priority to the relations with your country, I am convinced that with joint efforts we will further provide valuable contribution in that regard. You will agree it is a huge commitment for us, an obligation to continue the path of the generations that have invested in such a friendship between the two countries.

Dear Mr. President, in the end, I avail myself of this opportunity to once again assure you that the people of the Republic of Macedonia and I personally highly appreciate and are always grateful for the consistent and continuous support and assistance by the People's Republic of China.

On this note, please accept the assurances of my highest consideration.

Dr. Gjorge Ivanov

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, on the occasion of October 11th, National Uprising Day, sent a congratulation message to the people of the Republic of Macedonia.

Respected citizens,

Congratulations on October 11, National Uprising Day. This year, 72 years after the start of the organized national liberation struggle, with particular respect and honor, we remember all the sons and daughters of Macedonia, all the children of our homeland who participated in the great struggle for free Macedonia. In 1941, the Macedonian people took active part in the great anti-fascist coalition of freedom-loving peoples and states. Coalition that managed to defeat the axis of evil. With the victory over fascism, our young Republic had the opportunity to equally stand among the free nations of Europe and the world.

Dear fellow citizens,

There are still temptations and challenges for the Republic of Macedonia. We need to continue this path, according to our best knowledge and strength. Let the light of this day be still a guide to achieve that goal. We overcame together the temptations in the past, together we will deal with the challenges of the present and future.

I would like to take this opportunity to once again congratulate you the National Uprising Day , with most sincere wishes for good health, prosperity and pleasant festive mood.

Dr. Gjorge Ivanov

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, received today the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania, Mr. Linas Linkevicius, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Romania, Mr. Titus Corlatean.

During the meeting, they exchanged views on the European perspective of the Republic of Macedonia, the current situation in the country and the region, and confirmed the interest in further development of bilateral relations and cooperation between the Republic of Macedonia and the Republic of Lithuania and Romania. President Ivanov expressed satisfaction with frequent meetings and the level of political dialogue with both countries and praised the successful cooperation between the two ministries with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Macedonia.

In the European integration context, President Ivanov thanked for the support of the Republic of Lithuania and Romania and expressed expectation that the Republic of Macedonia will receive a positive report by the European Commission and another recommendation to start accession negotiations with the European Union.

"Status quo is not an option, and does not bring anything good; on the contrary, it decelerates all processes and deepens the gaps. We expect December to finally unblock the Republic of Macedonia's integration, we want the positive example of parallel movement in the integration and in the overcoming bilateral differences to be applicable in our case as well and expect support from all friends in the European Union", President Ivanov said at the meeting.

At the meeting, the Macedonian President briefed the interlocutors with the latest developments in the name issue talks, noting that the Republic of Macedonia remains committed and constructive in finding a compromise solution.

Both Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania and Romania commended the invested efforts of the Republic of Macedonia in the reform process and in meeting the standards for European Union membership and agreed that the country deserves to be given a date to start accession negotiations. In this regard, Ministers Linkevicius and Corlatean pledged for further support from Lithuania and Romania in order to overcome the challenges and completing the European integration process of the Republic of Macedonia.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, met today with Mr. Tony Blair, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

At the meeting, President Ivanov expressed satisfaction with the visit of Mr. Blair, noting the significance the Republic of Macedonia is continually paying to the development of the relations and cooperation with the United Kingdom.

Both interlocutors expressed satisfaction with the level of bilateral relations between the Republic of Macedonia and the United Kingdom.

The meeting discussed the European and Euro-Atlantic prospects of the region. In this context, President Ivanov reiterated the Republic of Macedonia's efforts and commitment to the reform processes, in order to meet the strategic priorities- membership in the European Union and NATO. Joint conclusion of the meeting was that the European idea and the integration process are indispensable mechanism for the reform processes to achieve European values and criteria for the aspiring countries, but also a mechanism for overcoming bilateral differences. From that aspect, the former Prime Minister Blair said that during his tenure, and even now, he strongly supported the EU and NATO integration processes of the Western Balkan countries, adding that the EU would not be a complete project without the integration of the Western Balkans.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr.Gjorge Ivanov, received today the Letters of Credence of the newly appointed Ambassadors of the Italian Republic, the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Kingdom of Sweden and the State of Qatar to the Republic of Macedonia.

At the solemn ceremonies of presenting the credentials, President Ivanov wished the newly appointed Ambassadors successful execution of their ambassadorial duty and reiterated the commitment to strengthening and promoting cooperation in all areas of mutual interest.

At the meeting with the newly appointed Ambassador of the Italian Republic to the Republic of Macedonia, H.E. Mr. Ernesto Massimino Bellelli, the Macedonian President expressed his gratitude for the ongoing support of the Italian Republic for the integration of the Republic of Macedonia into the European and Euro-Atlantic structures and expressed hope that it will continue in the future.

"I expect this support to continue in the coming crucial period, in the wake of the European Council meeting in December. The Republic of Macedonia is encouraged by the positive steps of the Western Balkan countries. In this regard, we expect Macedonia to enjoy fair and equal treatment by the Member States, or in terms of a blockade, we expect the positive example of parallel movement and integration in addressing bilateral issues to be applied in our case, too", President Ivanov said, adding that the Republic of Macedonia expects in October the fifth consecutive recommendation to start accession negotiations with the EU.

Ambassador Bellelli said that the Italian Republic, having the chairmanship with the European Union next year, will push for European integration of the Republic of Macedonia.

"I can confirm that we will continue to strive and provide our support for this goal to be achieved within a reasonable time. The Balkans is, indeed, part of Europe and the integration of Macedonia into the European institutions is added value for its growth and stability", Ambassador Bellelli said in his welcome speech.

Both interlocutors agreed that in the field of economy, the relations between the two countries are firm, but there are specific conditions and potential for further improvement.

At the meeting with the newly appointed Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt, H.E. Ms. Manal Yehia El Shinnawi, President Ivanov wished her success in the execution of her office, expressing his expectation for further boosting of the cooperation between the two countries.
"I assure you that the Republic of Macedonia will continue to support the peaceful overcoming of the challenges you are facing and we are confident that Egypt will regain its place, role and reputation in the international community as a tolerant, free and open country, as factor of stability and prosperity in your region," President Ivanov said in his welcome speech.

The newly appointed Egyptian ambassador said that during her term of office she will work with the Macedonian institutions to achieve the highest level of relations between the two countries.

"I assure you, Your Excellency, that with your wise guidance, personal support and trust, I shall exert all possible efforts in different circles and on various levels in both countries towards strengthening our bilateral relations and promoting ever growing cooperation in different spheres", the newly appointed Egyptian Ambassador El Shinnawi said in her speech.

At the meeting with the newly appointed Ambassador of the Kingdom of Sweden, H.E. Mr. Mats Staffansson, President Ivanov expressed satisfaction with the successful development of Macedonian-Swedish relations and cooperation in various fields. At the same time, President Ivanov expressed gratitude for the support of the Kingdom of Sweden to the European integration of the Republic of Macedonia, expressing his confidence that it will continue in the future.

"In terms of a blockade, we expect the positive example of parallel movement in the integration and in addressing bilateral issues to be applied in our case, too. With this move, the European Union will confirm the credibility of the enlargement process and will provide a direct contribution to the overall ambience in our region. The Republic of Macedonia is a candidate country since 2005, in October we expect a new, fifth in a row, recommendation by the European Commission for opening accession negotiations. I think it is high time we are enabled the next stage - start of negotiations," President Ivanov said in his opening speech.

Ambassador Staffansson said he would give his utmost during his tenure for further development of the relations between the two countries in all fields.

"My government believes that Macedonia should start negotiations with the EU so that one day, when all conditions are met, it would become a full-fledged member. This is a long and difficult road, but the EU enlargement is a key solution for the reforms, modernization and stability in the Southeast Europe", the Swedish Ambassador Staffansson said at the ceremony of presenting the credentials.

At the meeting with the newly appointed Ambassador of the State of Qatar, H.E. Mr. Hassan Abdullah bin Zaid Al-Mahmoud, President Ivanov congratulated him for his appointment as the first Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Republic of Macedonia, as a result of the excellent political dialogue and expressed his satisfaction with the development of bilateral relations and increased dynamics in the communications between the two countries and the high highest level.

"I am convinced that there is a period to come when the excellent political relations and frequent contacts will contribute to the opportunities and result in concrete projects with enhanced cooperation in the sphere of economy, technology, culture, science and education. Hence, I would like to express our full readiness", President Ivanov said in his opening remarks.

The newly appointed Ambassador of the State of Qatar expressed hope that the bilateral relations between the two countries will be further development and wished progress and prosperity of the Republic of Macedonia and of its people.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, on the occasion of the International Day of Bosniaks, sent the following congratulation message to the members of the Bosniak community in the Republic of Macedonia.

Dear fellow citizens,

On my behalf and on behalf of all the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia, let me congratulate you most cordially September 28th, the International Day of Bosniaks , and wish you good health, prosperity and welfare.

Republic of Macedonia's highest priority is to nurture and respect diversity and thus it is an example of applying the highest standards in the protection of its cultural, ethnic, linguistic and religious identity of its citizens. Without Bosniaks, our country would have been poorer for a specific tradition and worldview, which significantly enriches its multiculturalism.

Bosniak community, along with the other communities, sincerely and tirelessly provides its contribution in all spheres of social and cultural life of our country, contributing in the building of a democratic and economically developed Republic of Macedonia.

I assure you that in the future all state institutions and every individual will remain committed to the further promotion of Bosniak culture and tradition and to the creation of conditions for better and prosperous life for all our citizens.

Congratulations on this great holiday.

Dr. Gjorge Ivanov