The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, received in a farewell meeting today in "Villa Biljana" in Ohrid, the Ambassador of the Republic of Poland to the Republic of Macedonia, H.E. Przemyslaw Czyz.

At the meeting, mutual conclusion was that the relations between the two countries are at a very high level and satisfaction was expressed with the permanent political dialogue. Both interlocutors agreed that in the coming period, both countries need to focus and with joint efforts exploit the potentials for deepening bilateral cooperation in all areas of mutual interest.

President Ivanov expressed his appreciation for the continued support that the Republic of Macedonia receives from the Republic of Poland in the efforts to attain the strategic goals, stressing that the Republic of Macedonia always sees in the Republic of Poland a sincere friend and partner.

Ambassador Czyz extended his gratitude for the help and support he enjoyed by President Ivanov, his cabinet and the institutions in the Republic of Macedonia during his office, stressing that the Republic of Poland, as before, will support the strategic goals of the Republic of Macedonia in the future.

Dear Mr. President,

On behalf of the American people, thank you for your thoughtful message of congratulations as we celebrate our 237th anniversary of independence.

On July 4, 1776, with the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, our founding fathers forged a nation based on ideals that have become only more important with time – an unwavering commitment to liberty, prosperity, and the pursuit of happiness for all. in these uncertain times, I hope we can continue to work together to bring those blessings to people around the world.

Sincerely,
Barack Obama

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, on the occasion of the start of Ramadan fasting, sent a congratulation message to the Head of the Islamic Religious Community in the Republic of Macedonia, Reis-ul-ulema Sulejman Efendi Rexhepi, to the members of the Riyaset and to all members of the Islamic religion in the Republic of Macedonia.


Respected Reis-ul-ulema Sulejman Efendi Rexhepi,

Let me congratulate you the beginning of Ramadan fasting to you, to the Riyaset of the Islamic religious community and all citizens - members of the Islamic faith in the Republic of Macedonia. May you spend the holiday in peace, health and prosperity, in the spirit and tradition of your faith.

The holy month of Ramadan is a period of prayer, spiritual purification, love and humanity. From dusk till dawn, your perseverance and commitment to faith and prayer are respected by all citizens and religious groups in the Republic of Macedonia. I believe that Ramadan fasting would be an inspiration for further building a peaceful, democratic and prosperous Republic of Macedonia, where cooperation and coexistence are a regular practice and lasting value.

On this occasion I would like to emphasize my conviction that in the future, the Islamic religious community, with its activity, will further contribute the Republic of Macedonia to be an example of coexistence and mutual understanding, and respect for all citizens, regardless of their ethnic and religious affiliation.

May Ramadan fasting be filled with harmony and joy! Have a great holiday of Eid-ul-Adha.


Dr. Gjorge Ivanov

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, today in "Villa Biljana" in Ohrid, received a delegation from the European Affairs Committee of the Parliament of the Netherlands.

Focus of the talks between President Ivanov and the Dutch parliamentarians was the European Integration of the Republic of Macedonia and of the Balkan countries.

The Macedonian President said that the Republic of Macedonia will continue to implement the necessary reforms and, prepared, will wait for the decision to start accession negotiations with the EU.

In that regard, President Ivanov reiterated the position that the Republic of Macedonia remains fully prepared to start accession negotiations with the European Union, as is the case since 2009.

Regarding the imposed name dispute, President Ivanov stressed that the Republic of Macedonia remains fully committed to the talks led under the auspices of the United Nations to reach a mutually acceptable solution.

The Macedonian President, at the meeting with the Dutch MPs, said that the parliamentary dimension of the cooperation is of utmost importance and contributes to the deepening of the relations between the Republic of Macedonia and the Netherlands.

The results of the last survey of the Institute for Policy Research - Skopje (IPIS) on the citizens' opinion on the activities and the work of the President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, show that the positive opinion of the citizens on President Ivanov is constantly increasing, while the number of people with a negative opinion is decreasing.

In the latest IPIS survey, 59.1% of the respondents said that they have a positive opinion on the Macedonian President, which means an increase of almost 5% compared to March 2012, 10% compared to May 2011 and 14% increase compared to 2010.

While in 2010, 44% of the respondents had a negative opinion on the Head of State, in 2013, the figure is almost twice lower, i.e. 23.8% of the respondents answered negatively on President Ivanov, who is about 7% less compared to March 2012, when that figure was 30.6 %.

The Macedonian citizens still appreciate most the bona fide of the Macedonian President, as proven by the IPIS survey results. Asked: Do you think that the President performs his duty in bona fide, 73.6% of the respondents answered positively, while 14.3% negative. Compared with March 2012, the number of respondents who believe that the President performs his duty in bona fide is almost 2% higher, while the number of respondents with a negative opinion is about 4% lower.

The name issue, the policy and the work of the President is positively assessed by 59.8 % of the respondents, while 27.4 % have a negative opinion on President Ivanov actions on these issues.

Asked: How do you rate the policy and the work of the President regarding the foreign policy, 56.2% gave a positive response. 30% of the respondents gave negative assessment of the policy and the work of the President regarding teh foreign policy.

More than half of the respondents said that the President has met their expectations in his current term. 50.4% of the respondents answered affirmatively, compared to 39.9% who believe that the President failed to meet their expectations.

The telephone survey was conducted in the period between 14 and 17 of June, 2013, on 1,119 respondents, as part of the regular surveys of the citizens' opinion on their trust and perceptions regarding the work and activities of the President of the Republic of Macedonia.

The Emir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and his father, who handed over the title Emir of Qatar, Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, sent letters of thanks to the President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, for the congratulations sent by the Macedonian President on the occasion of handing over and assuming the office of Emir of Qatar.

Please find enclosed the letters addressed to the President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov.

Your Excellency,

On behalf of the people of the State of Qatar and my own behalf I want to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to your Excellency for your kind greetings and congratulations on my succession coupled with my best wishes for your personal well-being and more prosperity and progress of your people.

I take this opportunity to assure you of our desire to further strengthen the bilateral relations between our two countries in the years to come.

With the assurances of my highest consideration

Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani
Emir of the State of Qatar

Your Excellency,

I received with thanks your kind message on the occasion of the succession of H.H. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani.

I very much appreciate your noble feelings towards me and extend to you my best wishes for your personal well-being and continued progress and prosperity of your friendly people.

With the assurances of my highest consideration

Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani