The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, today in Villa Biljana in Ohrid, met with the Speaker of the Senate of Canada, Honorary Noel Kinsella, who is paying an official visit to the Republic of Macedonia.

The meeting discussed the possibilities to promote bilateral relations between the two countries, multilateral cooperation and strategic foreign policy goals of the Republic of Macedonia: membership in NATO and the European Union. Both interlocutors expressed satisfaction with the continuing intensification of political dialogue and with the positive dynamics in the development of the relations between the Republic of Macedonia and Canada. In this context, President Ivanov commended the parliamentary cooperation, which is marked with positive and successful development, owing to the great contribution of the Parliamentary Friendship Group with Macedonia, established in the Canadian Parliament.

President Ivanov expressed satisfaction with the reunion with the Speaker of the Senate of Canada in a short period of time, and also thanked for the constructive and friendly meetings with Canadian officials during his recent visit to Canada, which contributed to the strengthening of the bilateral contacts between the two countries and concretization of the cooperation in specific areas of mutual interest.

With regard to Macedonia's membership in NATO, President Ivanov extended his gratitude for the principled support from Canada and briefed the guest on the latest developments related to the only obstacle that stands in the way of full-fledged membership in the Alliance, as well as on the expectations for the coming period.

The meeting confirmed the commitment to further promote cooperation in the fields of defence, culture, science and education, with the emphasis on the need to improve the legal contractual framework between the two countries and soon signing of specific contracts. In this regard, the Macedonian President expressed his expectation for improvement of the economic cooperation and increase of Canadian investment, considering the investment potential of the Republic of Macedonia and the measures and actions taken by the Government of the Republic of Macedonia to improve the investment climate in the country.

Both interlocutors stressed the important role of the Macedonian emigrant community in Canada, as a link between the two countries that needs to be maintained and strengthened.

President Ivanov and the Speaker of the Senate of Canada, Mr. Kinsella, reaffirmed the readiness for future close cooperation in all areas of mutual interest, both at bilateral and multilateral level.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, sent a congratulation note to the Archbishop of Ohrid and Macedonia, H.H. Stefan, and to all Orthodox believers on the occasion of the Christian holiday marking the Assumption of the Holy Mother of God.

Your Holiness,

On my behalf and on behalf of the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia, I  congratulate you personally and the members of the Holy Synod of Bishops, the venerable monks and clergy and all Orthodox believers the Christian holiday of the Assumption of the Holy Mother of God.

May you spend the holiday that celebrates the day of marry resettlement of the Mother of God in heaven, in peace and harmony, surrounded by the loved ones and filled with joy!

Our nation has always considered, with great affection and respect, the Mother of God as its guardian, patron and protector of all Christians. This holy day is yet another opportunity to re-affirm the principles that guide our lives and the examples of kindness Virgin Mary has taught us to. May we live loving our beloved ones and building respect for our parents and understanding and love for our children!

May we celebrate this holiday for many years!

Dr. Gjorge Ivanov

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, met today with Prof. Dr. Borche Davitkovski, President of the ad hoc Inquiry Committee on the events before and on December 24, 2012.

President Ivanov, as initiator of the committee, commended the signing of the report and expressed expectation that the recommendations of the committee's report will be consistently implemented.

Based on the information received by the President of the ad hoc Committee, President Ivanov expressed regret for the lost time and the manner the agreement on the final report was reached. On the other hand, President Ivanov praised the statesmanship conduct, demonstrated maturity, reasonableness and concessions made in order to protect the national interests and the interests of citizens, who always recognize those who work in their interest.

The Macedonian President called for national consensus on the strategic goals and priorities of the Republic of Macedonia. In this regard, President Ivanov urged that, once and for all, the destructive policies, the policies of ultimatums and blackmailing should stop and that the narrow party interests and the interests of the individuals should never be over the interests of the state and the citizens.

No one in the Republic of Macedonia has the right and may hold hostage the progress and development of the country, for any personal interest.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, in Villa Biljana in Ohrid, received the former President of the Czech Republic, Dr. Vaclav Klaus.

At the meeting, both interlocutors expressed satisfaction with the level of bilateral relations between the Republic of Macedonia and the Czech Republic.

During the meeting they exchanged views on the challenges facing Europe and the EU, the challenges in the process of Euro-Atlantic integration, as well as the situation in the region of Southeast Europe.

The former Czech President expressed appreciation for the opportunity to participate in the fourth School for Young Leaders, initiated by President Ivanov and launched tomorrow in Ohrid.

The former Czech President is to address the opening ceremony of the School.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, on the occasion of August 18 – the Day of the Army of the Republic of Macedonia, sent a congratulation message to the Chief of Staff of the Army of the Republic of Macedonia, Major General Goranco Koteski, and to all members of the Army of Republic of Macedonia.

Respected Chief of Staff of the Army of Republic of Macedonia,

As your Supreme Commander, I have the honor to congratulate you August 18, the Day of the Army of the Republic of Macedonia. The day when 21 year ago our Army was established to defend the territorial integrity and sovereignty of our homeland, the Republic of Macedonia.

As an important pillar of our independence, the Army reflects the real structure of the Macedonian society and preserves our security and the security of our loved ones. With its commitment to the reforms, professionalism in executing its responsible tasks and achieved results in the peacekeeping missions, the Army of the Republic of Macedonia is valued and desired partner of the Alliance in the protection of the shared values - peace, security and democracy.

At the end, I congratulate all members of the Army of Republic of Macedonia and all promoted and newly appointed officers, soldiers and civilians serving in the Army of Republic of Macedonia. Congratulations on your professionalism in carrying out the responsible task, but above all for your solidarity and loyalty to the homeland.

Many happy returns to the Day of the Army of the Republic of Macedonia!

Dr. Gjorge Ivanov

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, received today in a farewell meeting the Ambassador of the Italian Republic to the Republic of Macedonia, H.E. Mr. Fabio Christiani.

At the meeting, President Ivanov expressed his appreciation for the contribution of Ambassador Christiani in the development of the bilateral relations and in the intensification of the cooperation between the two countries and expressed his expectation that the traditionally close and friendly relations with the Italian Republic will continue in the future by expanding the cooperation in all spheres of common interest.

The Macedonian President expressed hope that the Republic of Macedonia in the future can count on the support of the Italian Republic in terms of its Euro-Atlantic integration, adding that the Republic of Macedonia should get the opportunity to contribute to the positive trend in the Balkans, by being assigned a date to start accession negotiations with the European Union.

At the meeting, the two interlocutors reaffirmed the interest to deepen the economic cooperation between the two countries and the cooperation at multilateral level.

Expressing his gratitude for the current involvement and good cooperation, President Ivanov wished Ambassador Christiani success in his future work and sent greetings to the President of the Italian Republic, Mr. Giorgio Napolitano, with an expectation for a meeting soon.