The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, congratulated all Orthodox believers and all citizens of the Republic of Macedonia, the state holiday, May 24th, the Day of the Macedonian and All-Slavic educators, the holy brothers Cyril and Methodius.

Distinguished citizens,

Let me congratulate you on May 24th, the Day of the Macedonian and All-Slavic teachers and educators, Cyril and Methodius, and wish you joyful and blessed holiday moments.

Ss. Cyril and Methodius, with their work, have eternally indebted all Slavic peoples and, in general, the European and world culture and civilization. What they advocated and worked hard for, in the Middle Ages – was equality of languages and peoples and equal access to education and science, for all the fundamental postulates on which today's international order and human civilization rest.

This year the Macedonian state, honoring and celebrating the great work of Ss. Cyril and Methodius, promotes and affirms the cultural and linguistic diversity, education and science, spirituality and ethics.

The life and work of the holy brothers testifies about the immensity of human faith and perseverance to invincibility of fairness and invulnerability of the human spirit. Their bright example should be our support to persist in preserving our national, linguistic and cultural identity.

May we celebrate this great national holiday for many years!

Dr. Gjorge Ivanov

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, today, on the occasion of May 23rd, the National Day of Vlachs, met with representatives of the Vlach community in the Republic of Macedonia.

At the meeting, the guests briefed President Ivanov on the situation regarding the exercise of the rights of Vlachs in the Republic of Macedonia, as well as for the past, current and planned activities of the Vlach community in the field of promoting the Vlach language, culture, history and tradition.

Noting that Vlachs are constitutionally recognized and socially valued, President Ivanov stressed that the Republic of Macedonia, as multiethnic, multilingual and multi-religious democracy provides the necessary conditions for preserving and promoting the Vlach identity, and the same should be used accordingly.

The representatives of the Vlach community in the Republic of Macedonia, said that Macedonia is an example of how to build multiculturalism, multilingualism and multi-confessionalism for a better future of the entire region.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, sent a congratulation note to the members of the Aromanian community in the Republic of Macedonia on the occasion of May 23, National Day of the Aromanians.

In the year when the Republic of Macedonia celebrates 110 years since the Ilinden Uprising, with great respect we recall the significant role of Aromanians (Vlach) in the struggle for basic human values – liberty, justice and human dignity. With great gratitude we recall Pitu Guli and Vangel Dinu, Dimitar Vlahov and the liberty fighter Mitre the Vlach, we recall all Aromanians who braevly contributed to the establishment of the modern Macedonian state.

This year marks the 200 years since the publishing of the first Aromanian Grammar by Michail Gjorgje Boiagi. Grammar that was the clearest expression of the wish and striving of Aromanians towards preservation, development and promotion of their language, culture and identity.

The question of identity of each individual is a question of human dignity, just as the right of self-identification is in the basis of human rights. Aromanians alone can say for themselves who and what they are, and no one else can speak on their behalf. With its deep tradition of multiethnic and multilinguistic coexistence, with the democratic model of integration without assimilation, the Republic of Macedonia provides the necessary conditions for this, in compliance with the Recommendation 1333 of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe from 1997.

Great and significant is the historical, social and cultural contribution that Aromanians have continuously given, give and will give for our common homeland Macedonia. Cherishing the memories of the great ancestors, the efforts of this generation should be fully focused on creating adequate conditions for the future generations.

With this conviction, to all members of the Aromanian community in the Republic of Macedonia, I congratulate this great day.

Dr. Gjorge Ivanov

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, received today the Letters of Credence of the newly appointed Ambassador of the Republic of Angola to the Republic of Macedonia, H.E. Mr. Toko Diakenga Serao, as well as the Letters of Credence of the newly appointed Ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to the Republic of Macedonia, H.E. Mr. Amjad Odeh Adaileh.

The Macedonian President congratulated the appointment to the two newly appointed ambassadors and wished them success in the execution of their duty.

It was concluded at the meeting with the Ambassador of the Republic of Angola that it is necessary to work on the improvement of the bilateral relations, whereas readiness was expressed to intensify political dialogue and interest in promoting cooperation in many areas, primarily in the economic sphere.

“I believe there are numerous areas in which we can strengthen cooperation, which requires regular communication, searching and acknowledging the potentials of both countries; commitment and their exploitation”, President Ivanov said in his welcome speech.

The newly appointed Ambassador of the Republic of Angola expressed hope for an open and fruitful dialogue and pledged to strengthen the friendly relations between the two countries.

At the meeting with the newly appointed Ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the two interlocutors stressed the need for more frequent contacts at state and government level, and the need to deepen economic cooperation and boost trade exchange. At the same time, the interest in promoting cooperation in science, culture and education was affirmed.

“It requires intensification of political dialogue and contacts at all levels, joint efforts for mutual representation of cooperation potential, and commitment to improvement of the legal framework that will create a basis for the desired cooperation between the two countries”, the Macedonian President said in his address.

Stating that the Republic of Macedonia is a successful role model for many developing countries, ambassador Adaileh said that he will make every effort to strengthen the bilateral cooperation between the two countries, especially in the area of trade and investment, tourism and culture.

At both meetings, the interlocutors expressed their willingness to enhance the friendly relations in multilateral cooperation.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjroge Ivanov, met today with the leadership of the universities in the Republic of Macedonia.

The meeting was attended by prof. Dr. Velimir Stojkovski, Rector of the University "Ss. Cyril and Methodius" - Skopje, prof. Dr. Arber Celiku, Provost of the State University in Tetovo, prof. Dr. Zamir Dika, Rector of the University of Southeastern Europe, prof. Dr. Sasha Mitrev, Rector of the University "Goce Delchev" - Stip, PhD. Dr. Saso Atanasoski, Provost of the University "St. Kliment Ohridski" - Bitola and prof. Dr. Bratislav Stankovic, Provost of the University "St. Paul the Apostle" - Ohrid.

The meeting discussed the views, observations, impressions and suggestions for improvement of the system of studies which were presented by the students with the highest average, students at the universities in the Republic of Macedonia during the six meetings that President Ivanov held in the period March 2012 to April 2013, as part of its program and activity policy towards young people and students.

The attendees at the meeting welcomed President Ivanov's initiative and thanked for the opportunity to express their opinion regarding the work of the universities. University representatives concluded that the challenges faced by higher education institutions in their work need to be addressed in a systematic manner, and the solutions offered to be complementary.

At the meeting, President Ivanov said that universities and students need to adapt to the new era that requires constant upgrading of knowledge and skills. The future of our country depends on the structures coming out of the universities, President Ivanov said. The Macedonian President asked universities to offer solutions according to the trends in the society and the needs of the labor market.

President Ivanov and his interlocutors agreed that this type of meetings should continue in order presented suggestions and ideas to find their adequate application.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, on June 1st, 2013, in Ohrid, will host the 16th Summit of Heads of State and Government participating in the South-East Europe Cooperation Process.

The Summit, under the motto “Solidarity in Action”, will be dedicated to the following key topics: disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation. The 16th Summit of Heads of State and Government participating in the South-East Europe Cooperation Process is the final activity within the one-year Macedonian Chairmanship with this regional initiative.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, on June 2nd, 2013, in Struga, will host the 11th Regional Forum of the “Dialogue among Civilizations”, titled “Youth for the Future - Future for the Youth”.
The focus of the debate of the regional leaders attending the 11th Forum of the “Dialogue among Civilizations” is creation of a safe, peaceful and prosperous world for future generations and investment in their education to actively contribute to the building of democratic processes, good governance and promotion of long-term and constructive relations between states and nations. Struga Forum marks the 10th anniversary of the “Dialogue among Civilizations”, which was launched as an initiative of the former President of the Republic of Macedonia, Mr. Boris Trajkovski, who hosted the first regional forum in Ohrid, in 2003.

The following officials have already confirmed their participation and we expect their presence in Ohrid and Struga:

• the President of the Republic of Albania, Mr. Bujar Nishani,
• the Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mr. Nebojsa Radmanovic,
• the President of the Republic of Bulgaria, Mr. Rosen Plevneliev,
• the President of the Republic of Croatia, Mr. Ivo Josipovic,
• the President of Moldova, Mr. Nicolae Timofti,
• the President of Montenegro, Mr. Filip Vujanovic,
• the President of Romania, Mr. Traian Basescu,
• the President of the Republic of Serbia, Mr. Tomislav Nikolic,
• the President of the Republic of Slovenia, Mr. Borut Pahor,
• the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey, Mr. Ahmet Davutoglu.

As participants and special guests attending both events are expected:
• the Chairman of the UN General Assembly, Mr. Vuk Jeremic,
• the Director-General of UNESCO, Ms. Irina Bokova,
• the European Union Commissioner for International Cooperation, Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Response, Ms. Kristalina Georgieva,
• the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General on Disaster Risk Reduction, Ms. Margaret Wallstrom,
• the Special Representative of the Secretary General of the Council of Europe and Head of Democratic Initiatives, Mr. Eladio Fernandez Galiano,
• the Chairman of the European Forum for Disaster Risk Reduction, Mr. Dag Olav Hogvold,
• the Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the International Organization of the Francophonie, Mr. David Bongard,
• the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General on Youth, Mr. Ahmad Al Hindawi,
• the Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council, Mr. Goran Svilanovic,
• the Ambassador of Ireland, as current EU Chair, Mr. Oliver Grogan.

The 16th Summit of Heads of State and Government participating in the South-East Europe Cooperation Process will be held in Hotel Inex Gorica - Ohrid, while the 11th Regional Forum of the “Dialogue among Civilizations” will be held in Hotel Biser, Struga.

All interested media representatives to report on both events must be accredited by filling in the attached accreditation form and submitting it to the Cabinet of the President of the Republic of Macedonia, to the following e-mail addresses:
• This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
• This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
• This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Deadline for submission of accreditation forms is Wednesday, May 22nd, 2013, by 12:00 pm.