The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, received today Baroness Frances D'Souza, Lord Speaker of the House of Lords of the British Parliament.

At the meeting, President Ivanov expressed satisfaction with the visit of Baroness D'Souza, noting that the Republic of Macedonia is continuously attaching great importance to the development of relations and cooperation with the United Kingdom.

Both interlocutors exchanged views on the bilateral relations between the two countries, on the economic cooperation, as well as on the latest developments and prospects of the countries in this region for European Union and NATO accession.

In this context, President Ivanov stressed that the only driving force in the region that leads to cooperation and mutual support, that surpasses past animosities and prejudice is the idea of Europe. In that regard, President Ivanov expressed his expectation the EU countries, including the United Kingdom, to be the advocates of Macedonia's aspirations for membership in the Euro-Atlantic structures, to help and speed up these processes.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, met today with the Head of the EU Delegation to Macedonia, Mr. Aivo Orav.

At the meeting, President Ivanov officially handed over the signed Memorandum of meeting the strategic goal for membership of the Republic of Macedonia in the European Union to the Head of the European Union Delegation.

Both interlocutors commended the signing of the memorandum, thus fulfilling yet another one of the obligations of the March political agreement, and expressed satisfaction with the confirmed inter-party consensus on the strategic goals of the Republic of Macedonia, the European integration perspectives and the European orientation of the country. "There is no any other issue in the country that can achieve such a broad political consensus and support, except for the European idea, which should be a clear signal to the European Union", President Ivanov said.

During the meeting they exchanged views and information about the upcoming European Commission report on the Republic of Macedonia. President Ivanov expressed his expectation that the Republic of Macedonia will receive another positive report.

"Despite the political challenges we faced, we have achieved good results in all areas that were identified in the Spring Report, we are constantly committed to the reform processes in key areas, promotion of good neighborly relations with all our neighbors, regional cooperation and we take constructive part in efforts for overcoming the name issue", President Ivanov said in the talks with Ambassador Orav. Moreover, the Macedonian President expressed his expectation that the European Council will finally let the Republic of Macedonia to do the next step in terms of its integration, and will assign a date to start accession negotiations for EU membership.

"It is high time the Republic of Macedonia to continue its integration; it is high time the Republic of Macedonia is allowed to progress in two parallel processes. Status - quo brings no good to any one. There is no bigger and stronger momentum for the reform and for overcoming the weaknesses then the start of negotiations", President Ivanov said at the meeting.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, met today with Major General Steven Cray, Commander of the Vermont National Guard.

At the meeting, they exchanged views and information about the reform process in the defence of the Republic of Macedonia, as well as about the achievements of the Army of the Republic of Macedonia and the Vermont National Guard from their joint participation in international peacekeeping missions in Iraq and Afghanistan.

President Ivanov stressed the importance of joint contribution to peace keeping and freedom in the world, particularly in regions which struggle to overcome the destabilization. The Macedonian President praised the strategic partnership of the Army of the Republic of Macedonia with the Vermont National Guard and expressed hope that the successful cooperation with this federal state in the field of defence will be the impetus for expanding cooperation in other areas of mutual interest. At the same time, President Ivanov said that the cooperation in recent years has contributed in achieving NATO standards in many areas, which is of strategic importance for the Republic of Macedonia.

General Cray expressed satisfaction with the jointly implemented projects, exercises and trainings with the Army of the Republic of Macedonia and expressed hope that the partnership will continue. In this context, General Cray commended the huge engagement of the Macedonian Army in peacekeeping operations, adding that the United States highly appreciate the continued contribution of Macedonia, as a reflection of the sincere and profound friendship between the two countries.

Both interlocutors agreed that the Republic of Macedonia deserves to soon become a member of NATO, which will be an additional contribution to the progress and development of the Balkans.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, marking the anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, sent a letter to the President of the United States, Mr. Barack Obama.

Honorable Mr. President,

Remembering the sad anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, allow me, on behalf of the people of the Republic of Macedonia and on my personal behalf, to express deep regret for the huge loss of human lives and profound condolences to the American people and the families of the victims.

Those monstrous attacks, and, indeed, all the cowardly acts of terrorism aimed at sowing fear and sense of insecurity, having as victims innocent people, will never lessen our persistence to preserve the shared human and civilization values and benefits. Since no one is safe, terrorism has no place in our world. Therefore, with all our strength and capacities we need, jointly, with a global response and cooperation, to stand against this evil.

Recalling the victims and every family that lives in grief, I would like to assure you, Mr. President, that the Republic of Macedonia remains to be your partner and supports the American efforts to defend freedom, democracy and human rights worldwide.

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

Dr. Gjorge Ivanov

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, met today with Ambassador Matthew Nimetz, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General of the United Nations on the name issue.

At the meeting, President Ivanov reaffirmed Macedonia's state position and commitment in finding a mutually acceptable solution to the name dispute. The current state of the process led under the UN auspices was considered and information and opinions were exchanged related to the ideas and views of the special envoy Nimetz, as well as the outcome of his visit to Athens.

The Macedonian President stressed that, as before, the Republic of Macedonia continues to actively, constructively and in good faith, participate in the process of finding a mutually acceptable solution.

President Ivanov expressed expectation that the Greek side, in the spirit of good neighborly relations, would show good will for creating a positive atmosphere for a progress in the process and for overcoming the difference over the name.

We are ready for meetings at the highest level and intensification of the dialogue, President Ivanov said.

The Republic of Macedonia insists on full compliance with the frame in which the process is led, the Security Council resolutions, the Interim Accord and the judgment of the International Court of Justice in The Hague. In this regard, the Macedonian President expects support from Mediator Nimetz, in achieving consistency with the international commitments and accepted framework, which is crucial to the process.

Anticipating the official visit of the President of the Republic of Poland to the Republic of Macedonia, Bronislaw Komorowski, on 10 and 11 September 2013, the President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, adopted a decree to bestow the President of the Republic of Poland, Bronislaw Komorowski, with the Order "September 8".

The Order "September 8" is awarded to the President of the Republic of Poland for his exceptional merits in developing and strengthening of the friendly relations and peaceful equitable cooperation between the Republic of Macedonia and the Republic of Poland, as well as in promoting and strengthening of the international position and reputation of the Republic of Macedonia.

This year marks twenty years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Macedonia and the Republic of Poland. Both countries have in the past built relations of sincere friendship, which is characterized by mutual understanding and mutual support at bilateral and multilateral level. Both countries have fruitful cooperation in many areas of mutual interest.

The Order "September 8" is awarded as a token of gratitude to the Polish people and the leaders of the Republic of Poland for nurturing and strengthening the relations of friendship and cooperation between the two countries, for the strong support and assistance in the efforts to attain the strategic goals and principled usage of the constitutional name of the Republic of Macedonia.