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 Kosovo, H.E. Ylber Hysa.

President Ivanov wished success to Kosovo’s new Ambassador in the execution of his mission and expressed satisfaction with the current positive development in the relations with Kosovo, with an interest in further strengthening of economic cooperation and infrastructure projects.

I expect that we will continue in the upcoming period to strengthen the political dialogue at all levels, and to enrich the existing bilateral cooperation with new contents in the spirit of friendship, good neighborly relations and mutual understanding. The Republic of Macedonia is ready, together with the Republic of Kosovo and its neighbors, through bilateral and regional cooperation, to contribute to the achievement of common goals: a stable and prosperous region and, finally, its full integration into the Euro-Atlantic structures, President Ivanov said in his address.

Macedonia is against any change of borders in the Balkans, while the outstanding issues in the region can only be overcome through dialogue and only if the countries are moving forward fully committed to the reform process, noting that the integration into NATO and the European Union has no alternative, President Ivanov said at the meeting. He expressed support for the dialogue led in Brussels, stating that its success is important for the stability in the region.

Extending regards to the President of the Republic of Kosovo, H.E. Atifete Jahjaga, President Ivanov expressed hope that the Gorani minority in Kosovo will be recognized soon.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, congratulated today’s statec holiday, May 24, the Day of the Macedonian and Slav Enlighters and Teachers, Saints Cyril and Methodius to all Orthodox believers and all citizens of the Republic of Macedonia.

Respected citizens,

Let me congratulate you on May 24, the Day of the Macedonian and Slav Enlighters and Teachers, Saints Cyril and Methodius, and wish you joyful and blessed holiday moments.

With the indelible work of the holy brothers Cyril and Methodius they obligated all Slavic peoples and the Christian world in general. With their role in promoting equality of languages and peoples, and the fight against the restricting medieval beliefs and restraints they are an example for the entire civilized world. St. Cyril and Methodius, declared patrons of Europe by His Holiness Pope John Paul II, they succeeded with their faith and perseverance to accomplish the mission of equal access to education and science for all.

On May 24, the Macedonian state, paying tribute and celebrating the work of St. Cyril and Methodius, is celebrating and promoting cultural and linguistic diversity, education and science, spirituality and ethics.

In their biography, the holy brothers have shown that the strength of human spirit, faith and perseverance are invincible. May their struggle be our guideline in these times when everything is again overshadowed by denials of any kind, to persist in the preservation of our national, linguistic and cultural identity!

Many happy returns of this great national holiday!

Dr. Gjorge Ivanov

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, sent a congratulation message to the newly elected President of the Republic of Serbia, Tomislav Nikolic:

Distinguished Mr. Nikolic,

It is my honor and pleasure, on my personal behalf and on behalf of the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia, to extend my sincere congratulations on your election as President of the Republic of Serbia. Please accept sincere wishes for successful execution of the high and responsible position, good health and personal happiness.

I avail myself of this solemn occasion to express my satisfaction with the current development of relations between our two neighboring countries. Also, I would like to express my belief that with joint efforts we will contribute to further promotion of the relations between our friendly countries and peoples in all areas of mutual interest, at bilateral and multilateral level. I am ready to work closely with you and together to contribute to stability and progress of our countries and our region.

In anticipation of our meeting in near future in Belgrade, please accept cordial and warm greetings from the Republic of Macedonia and assurances of my highest consideration.

Dr. Gjorge Ivanov

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, sent a congratulation note to the representatives of the Vlach community in the Republic of Macedonia on the occasion of May 23, the National Day of Vlachs:

   
Celebrating May 23, the National Day of Vlachs, we are reminded of the importance of identity and language, culture and name of every nation. May 23 for all Vlachs is the day when they were recognized as a reality. Reality cannot and may not be denied by anyone.

Throughout the centuries, numerous revolutionaries were part of the fight to preserve the Vlach identity. Remembering the 170-anniversary of the death of the great Vlach reformer and first Vlach grammarian Mikhail Bojadzi, we cannot but remember the covenant he left with his grammar. The grammar of a vibrant, dynamic and evolving language. I believe that sacred mission of each generation is to transmit the communication code that connects us with the past and is a guarantee for the future. To ensure not only perseverance but also development and promotion of the Vlach language, culture and tradition. To bridge past, present and future generations.

Today, 15 years after the adoption of Recommendation 1333 of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, the Republic of Macedonia remains to be a shining example for all other countries on how to nurture, develop and promote Vlach language and culture, not just in words but by deeds. There are conditions for this, by publishing textbooks in Vlach language, introducing teaching in Vlach language, establishing Center for History, Language and Culture of Vlachs – an initiative which is strongly supported. Timely, appropriate and active use of these benefits will contribute to maintaining Vlach identity. The essence of this endeavor is, of course, love of mother language that allows, through the clear image of the glorious past to direct energy toward building a better future for our children.

Great and significant is the historical, social and cultural contribution given by the Vlachs in continuity to Macedonia. Hence, the Republic of Macedonia is especially proud of the Vlach community, which is constitutionally recognized and socially valuable, which, though its diligence and rich culture, is an inseparable part of the past, present and future of our common homeland.

With such assurance, I congratulate all members of the Vlach community in the Republic of Macedonia this bright holiday.

Dr. Gjorge Ivanov

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, sent a letter of condolences to the President of the Italian Republic, Giorgio Napolitano, on the occasion of tragic loss of lives in the earthquake that struck Northern Italy:

With deep sadness I received the news of the great tragedy – the earthquake that struck the region Emilia-Romagna, taking precious lives away, leaving thousands of people homeless. I sincerely regret the loss of lives in this natural disaster.

In these mournful moments for you, for the citizens of your country and for the families of the victims, on behalf of the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia and on my personal behalf, let me extend my deepest sympathy. In these moments of sorrow, our prayers are with you and with the families of the victims.

Please, Mr. President, convey the expressions of condolences to the friendly Italian people.

Dr. Gjorge Ivanov

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, sent a letter of condolences to the President of the Republic of Albania, Bamir Topi, on the occasion of the tragic loss of lives in the traffic accident in Albania:

With deep sadness I received the news of the great tragedy near Himara and I sincerely regret the loss of lives in this huge traffic accident.

In these mournful moments for you, for the citizens of your country and for the families of the victims, on behalf of the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia and on my personal behalf, let me extend my deepest sympathy. In these moments of sorrow, our prayers are with you and with the families of the victims.

Please, Your Excellency, convey the expressions of condolences to the families of the victims.

Dr. Gjorge Ivanov