The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, received today in a farewell meeting the Ambassador of the French Republic, H.E. Mr. Jean-Claude Schlumberger.

At the meeting, President Ivanov expressed his gratitude to Ambassador Schlumberger for his efforts and activities aimed at promotion of cooperation and friendly relations between the Republic of Macedonia and the French Republic and congratulated him for his appointment to the new post as head of the OSCE Mission in Prishtina.
     
Both interlocutors exchanged opinions on the efforts of the Republic of Macedonia to attain its strategic priorities, integration in NATO and the European Union, as well as expectations for the coming period. In this context, President Ivanov stressed the need for the support of the French Republic at the December meeting of the European Council to unblock the integration process in the European Union.

President Ivanov took the opportunity to present to Ambassador Schlumberger the invitation letter addressed to the President of the French Republic, Francois Hollande, expressing hope for his visit to the Republic of Macedonia, which would give a new impetus to the cooperation between the two countries.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, today received the Letters of Credence of the newly appointed Ambassador of the Czech Republic, H.E. Mr. Miroslav Ramesh and the newly appointed Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia, H.E. Mr. Branko Rankovec.

In the welcome addresses at the ceremony of presenting their credentials, President Ivanov wished them welcome and success in the execution of their ambassadorial duty.

At the meeting with the newly appointed Ambassador of the Czech Republic, President Ivanov expressed his satisfaction with the development of relations between the two countries and their positive momentum, indicating that there are potentials to enhance economic cooperation. Emphasizing the excellent level of political relations and frequent mutual contacts, the President expressed his expectation that at the upcoming meeting of the European Council, the Czech Republic would pledge for a decision to start accession negotiations with the Republic of Macedonia.

“We recognize a true friend in you, and thus, we expect your help for proper evaluation of our progress and contribution to the common European and Euro-Atlantic values. I would like to express our sincere gratitude for the consistent and vocal support in meeting our strategic goals, membership in NATO and the European Union. Such support is an inspiration for us to continue on the path we have defined as priority, despite the blockades we face”, President Ivanov said in his address.

Ambassador Ramesh reiterated the support of the Czech Republic for full integration of the Republic of Macedonia in the Euro-Atlantic structures and the willingness to share experiences in this regard and pledged for personal engagement in strengthening economic cooperation between the two countries.

"It is my personal intention to achieve a substantial growth of the Czech-Macedonian trade turnover, as well as to encourage new contacts and projects in the field of culture, science and other areas of life and to contribute to the cooperation between our armed and security forces", Ambassador Ramesh said.

At the meeting with the newly appointed Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia, satisfaction was expressed with the level of relations and cooperation between the two countries and interest to increase trade exchange and encourage greater investment activity of Slovenian companies in the Republic of Macedonia.

Ambassador Branko Rankovec expressed strong belief that membership in the Euro-Atlantic structures and regional cooperation are crucial for the overall development of the region and the only way to overcome the problems of the past.

"We wish the political paths of Slovenia and Macedonia, after separation from the common state, to come together again, this time through common membership in the EU and NATO. We strongly believe that Macedonia is ready for dialogue and acceptance of necessary compromises that will pave the Euro-Atlantic path, and at the same time not to threaten its identity and fundamental interests. In addition, Macedonia will always have the support of Slovenia", Ambassador Rankovec stressed in his speech.

President Ivanov expressed his gratitude for the strong and continued support of the Republic of Slovenia for Republic of Macedonia's accession in NATO and the European Union as soon as possible and reiterated his expectation for application of the Slovenian-Croatian model - parallel movement of the negotiation process for European Union membership and resolution of the name dispute.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, sent a congratulation message to the members of the Jewish community on the occasion of the great holiday - Rosh Hashanah:

It gives me special pleasure, on behalf of the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia as well as on my personal behalf, to congratulate you personally and all members of the Jewish community in the Republic of Macedonia, the New 5773 Year, with a desire for peace, welfare and prosperity in all aspects.

May you spend these holiday moments in a good mood, health, happiness and spiritual peace, with a new hope that is renewed with the beginning of each new year. The Republic of Macedonia is particularly proud of the members of the Jewish community who are inseparable part of the Macedonian land, history, tradition and culture since the earliest times. I am more than confident that the members of the Jewish community will continue to give their active contribution to the development and progress of our common homeland - Macedonia.

Conveying my best wishes for a blessed Rosh Hashanah to you personally and to the members of the Jewish community in the Republic of Macedonia, please accept the assurances of my consideration.

Shana Tova.

Dr. Gjorge Ivanov

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, today in Villa Biljana, Ohrid, met with the President of the Republic of Albania, Bujar Nishani.

This is the first informal meeting of the two presidents. The aim of the meeting was to maintain the previously established dynamics of regular meetings at the highest level between Macedonia and Albania.

The focus of the talks between President Ivanov and President Nishani were the existing bilateral relations and areas where there is unused potential for strengthening cooperation.

Mutual conclusion was that the political relations between the two countries are at a level that allows the overall energy and resources in the future to be focused on the development of economic cooperation, infrastructure and energy connectivity, cross-border cooperation, development of tourism, cooperation in the fight against organized crime, in the area of culture and protection of cultural heritage, as well as in the sphere of environmental protection.

President Ivanov confirmed the commitment of the Republic of Macedonia for continuation and further development of good neighborly relations through open dialogue.

In terms of the common strategic goal - European Union membership, the two presidents agreed that the European integration of the Western Balkan countries is essential for the regional stability and development, and, in this context, reaffirmed mutual support. Therefore, opinions were exchanged on the reforms both countries implement, as well as the expectations for the upcoming period. President Ivanov expressed his gratitude for the support for Macedonia’s membership in NATO and his expectation that the support will continue in the future.

Both presidents at the meeting exchanged opinions on the current region-related issues, sharing the view that all contentious and unresolved issues should be resolved through dialogue and mutual respect. Promotion of bilateral and intensification of regional cooperation should be tools to promote the new reality in the region, despite the perceptions established in the past, President Ivanov said. It means fostering good neighborly relations, cooperation and mutual support in the Euro-Atlantic integration processes and strengthening areas of cooperation of specific benefit for the citizens of all countries in the region. Macedonian and Albanian President pledged to further cooperation and support at multilateral level.

President Ivanov accepted the invitation to visit the Republic of Albania in the near future, which will also ensure contacts between the business communities of both countries.

President Ivanov expressed his condolences for the accident that happened this morning on the road between Pec and Elbasan, when a member of the accompanying delegation of President Nishani lost his life in a tragedy. The Macedonian President asked his Albanian counterpart to convey expressions of deep sympathy to the family of the victim.

Both presidents expressed satisfaction with the first meeting, assessing it as a successful, pledging jointly to work diligently to strengthen the relations between the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia and the Republic of Albania and the common future within Europe.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, on the occasion of the terrorist attack on the United States diplomatic post in Benghazi, Libya, sent a letter of condolences to the President of the United States of America, Barack Obama.

Honorable President Obama,
With deep sorrow I received the news of the terrorist attack on the United States diplomatic post in Benghazi in which US diplomats were killed, and I deeply regret the loss of lives.

In these sad moments for you, for the friendly American people and the families of the victims, on behalf of the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia and on my personal behalf, I would like to extend my condolences. In these moments of grief, our thoughts are with you and with the families of the victims.

Be assured, Honorable President, that the Republic of Macedonia will continue to support the efforts of the United States for the protection of freedom, democracy and human rights in the world.

Please, Honorable Mr. President, convey the assurances of compassion to the families of the victims.

Sincerely,
Dr. Gjorge Ivanov