The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, met today with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Romania, H.E. Mr. Titus Corlatean.

The two interlocutors agreed that the relations between the two countries are characterized by a high level of friendship, constructive and open political dialogue.

In this context, the Macedonian side expressed interest in a return official visit of the Romanian President, H.E. Mr. Traian Basescu, to the Republic of Macedonia.

During the meeting, they exchanged views and information on the opportunities for further deepening of bilateral cooperation between the two countries in all areas of mutual interest, with a special emphasis on the economic cooperation.

"Given the potentials of both countries, the closeness and traditional friendship, I think that, with mutual engagement, the economic cooperation and trade exchange may significantly improve in the future", President Ivanov said.

The Euro-Atlantic integration of the Republic of Macedonia was also discussed at the meeting. President Ivanov, following the absence of a decision by the Council of the European Union and following the four positive recommendations for setting a date to start accession negotiations, stressed that in circumstances when we have an integration blockage for ages, the status quo does not bring anything good, on the contrary, it creates frustration among the citizens and the society, and a possibility of politicization of the European integration.

"Despite all the blockades, the country will proceed with the reforms for the sake of its citizens. We need to work hard to meet the standards and criteria, to create and implement the EU agenda. When we would be given a date, we would be ready", President Ivanov said.

Minister Corlatean said that Romania fully supports the Republic of Macedonia in terms of its Euro-Atlantic integration and is willing to expand and deepen the overall cooperation with the Republic of Macedonia.

"That is the purpose of my visit, to reaffirm the support and to talk about the possibilities for enhanced cooperation", Minister Corlatean said at the meeting with President Ivanov.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, on the occasion of the US national holiday, July 4th – the Independence Day, sent a congratulation message to the President of the United States of America, Mr. Barack Obama.

Honorable Mr. President,

I avail myself of this opportunity, on my personal behalf and on behalf of the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia, to wish you, and the friendly American people, happy Fourth of July. Enjoying the inalienable rights to "life, liberty and pursuit of happiness" has become an inspiration for many generations all over the world to seek and exercise these rights.

Honorable Mr. President, I am pleased with the achieved level of Macedonian-American relations and cooperation, and in this solemn moment for the United States, I would like to express my expectation for further deepening of the friendship between our two countries.
Recalling Abraham Lincoln's thought that "a house divided against itself cannot stand", I would like to assure you, Mr. President, that the Republic of Macedonia and its people remain committed to the partnership with your great nation, partnership for protection of freedom, democracy and human rights worldwide. Inspired by these shared values, we remain focused on achieving the goal - Macedonia as an equal member of the European and Euro-Atlantic brotherhood of nations. I take this possibility, Mr. President, to extend my gratitude for the continued support in meeting our strategic goals and to express my conviction that in the upcoming period our strategic partnership will be enhanced and enriched, for the sake of our children.

At the end, wishing you personally, as well as the American people, success and well-being, let me extend, Mr. President, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Dr. Gjorge Ivanov

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, received today in a farewell meeting the UNICEF Representative in the Republic of Macedonia, Mr. Sheldon Yett.

At the meeting, President Ivanov expressed his satisfaction with the cooperation of UNICEF with all institutions in the Republic of Macedonia and the contribution in creating a network among the relevant institutions and organizations, citizens, local and foreign experts who work to improve children's lives.

Also, the Macedonian President thanked for the commitment of the UNICEF Office on issues of interest to children in terms of their education, health and social protection to improve their rights and quality of life in the Republic of Macedonia.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, on the occasion of assuming the office of Emir of the State of Qatar, sent a letter of congratulations to His Highness, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Also, on the occasion of the handover of power by His Highness, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani to his son, President Ivanov sent a letter to Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, expressing his thankfulness for the overall contribution and for his efforts in promoting the relations between the State of Qatar and the Republic of Macedonia.

Enclosed are the letters sent by the President of the Republic of Macedonia to the new Emir of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and to His Highness, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.

Your Highness,
Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani,

It is a great honor and pleasure, on the occasion of assuming the office of Emir of Qatar, on behalf of the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia, and on my personal behalf, to extend my cordial regards and best wishes for successful execution of this responsible office.

I avail myself of this opportunity to appraise the continued development of the relations and cooperation between our two friendly countries. At the same time, I am convinced that, with mutual engagement, we will continue to introduce new contents and forms of cooperation, and thus we will further strengthen our relations in the upcoming years, whereas we express our full readiness.

Hoping that we will soon have the opportunity to meet and exchange views on all matters of mutual interest, I renew my best wishes for your professional success, good health and personal happiness, as well as for prosperity of the friendly people of Qatar.

Your Highness, please accept the assurances of my highest consideration.

Dr. Gjorge Ivanov

Your Highness,
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani

Following your decision to hand the power to your son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, let me congratulate you for your remarkable leadership, wisdom, continued commitment and dedication to the long-term development and prosperity of the State of Qatar and the welfare of its people. I am convinced that you, as thus far, will continue to play an important role in many social life spheres in your country.

At the same time, I avail myself of this opportunity to extend my appreciation for the efforts and for the overall contribution you have provided which have significantly improved the relations between our two friendly countries in the previous period. Recalling the numerous meetings and the cordial talks we have had, I am pleased that I have recognized in you a true friend and I can freely say that we have managed to open a new chapter in our relations, as well as prospects for fruitful cooperation in all fields.

I believe that we will establish equal relations with your successor, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and we will work together to strengthen the friendship between the two countries and to promote the established cooperation. I would like to express my full support in this regard.

On this note, Your Highness, let me wish you further personal and professional success, good health and convey the assurances of my highest consideration.

Dr. Gjorge Ivanov

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, met today with the US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, Mr. Philip Reeker.

The meeting confirmed the partnership relations between the Republic of Macedonia and the United States, as well as the readiness to further intensify the cooperation in all areas of mutual interest.

President Ivanov stressed that the main priority of the Republic of Macedonia is the launching of negotiations for EU membership and invitation for membership in NATO. In this context, views and information were exchanged on the latest developments in the talks to resolve the imposed name dispute and the expectations of the upcoming meeting of the Council of the European Union.

In order to meet the strategic goals of the Republic of Macedonia - full fledged membership in NATO and the EU, it was noted that the two countries will continue to cooperate closely. The Deputy Assistant Secretary of State confirmed the official position that the United States strongly supports the Euro-Atlantic integration of the Republic of Macedonia.

The Deputy Assistant Secretary of State also welcomed the efforts and contributions of President Ivanov in promoting inter-ethnic relations in the Republic of Macedonia by supporting initiatives and projects such as "Sport as Factor for Tolerance, Unity and Respect" and Sportsmanship" and appraised the success of the School for Young Leaders, which is under the patronage of President Ivanov and is held four year in a row. Common was the conclusion that the right way the country and the region to keep up and adapt to the new trends in all areas is exactly by investing in young people and in encouraging their contribution to science, entrepreneurship and innovation.

Both interlocutors exchanged views on the situation in the region and concluded that Croatia's entry into the European Union and the reached agreement between Belgrade and Pristina, are the two most important events in recent period, which will positively affect the regional stability and European integration processes of the Balkan countries.

Distinguished Mr. President,

On the occasion of the National Day of the Russian Federation, on behalf of the people of the Republic of Macedonia and on my behalf, to you personally and to the friendly Russian people, I extend cordial regards and sincere wishes for prosperity and welfare of your country.

It gives me great pleasure to note that the political dialogue between our two friendly countries is continuous and the traditional relations between our peoples are enhanced and enriched with new contents and forms in all areas of mutual interest, particularly in the economic sphere. Therefore, I avail myself of this solemn opportunity to reiterate my readiness, along with you, to continue to give our personal contribution in this regard.

Please accept the assurances of my highest consideration and convey greetings to the people of your country.

Dr. Gjorge Ivanov