The President of the Republic of Macedonia Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, on the occasion of the Jewish holiday Pesah sent a greetin letter to the members of the Jewish Community in the Republic of Macedonia.

It gives me special pleasure, on behalf of the people of the Republic of Macedonia and on my personal behalf, to convey cordial regards to you and all members of the Jewish Community on the occasion of the great Jewish holiday Pesah, wishing you peace, prosperity and progress.

Remembering the great day when God with His mighty hand delivered the Jews from the house of slavery, we become aware of the value of liberty, but also the responsibility that goes with it. I believe that, inspired by this idea, many Macedonian Jews have contributed greatly for the freedom of our common home - Macedonia. I am convinced that the Jewish community will continue contributing in the future as well.

With this thought in mind, I wish you a holiday filled with peace, love and wellbeing. Hag Pesah Sameah!

Dr. Gjorge Ivanov

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, today received a delegation from the US Congress, which is visiting the Republic of Macedonia, consisted of the following members: Mr. David Drierer, Mr. David Price, Mr. Jim McDermott, Mr. Eric Paulsen and Mr. Gerry Connolly.

At the meeting, President Ivanov said that this visit is of particular importance because it happens in extremely important period for the Republic of Macedonia and its strategic objectives.

Congressmen were acknowledged with the latest developments in the Republic of Macedonia, with the efforts to change the status quo in terms of Euro-Atlantic integration processes, as well as with the expectations for the coming period. The President expressed gratitude for the continued support and for the strategic partnership with the United States which is not only formal, but an essential one, abased on shared values and ideas, identical visions and partner relations. The letter signed by 54 Congressmen and sent to the U.S. President, Barack Obama, is yet another confirmation of the friendship between both countries, and an act highly appreciated by the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia.

The Congress members were informed on the judgment of the International Court of Justice that gives credibility and is a confirmation of the rightful policy of the Republic of Macedonia. In anticipation of the upcoming Summit in Chicago, the President expressed hope that after the judgment, the member-states will reconsider their positions regarding Macedonia, i.e. the Bucharest conclusion will be reviewed.

The meeting with the congressmen tackled the bilateral name dispute imposed by the southern neighbor. President Ivanov reiterated the position that Macedonia remains with a constructive approach, committed to the process for finding a mutually acceptable solution to name as soon as possible, which necessarily implies respect for the framework in which negotiations are led, good faith and responsible approach from our southern neighbor.

The Congressmen reaffirmed full support for the Euro-Atlantic integration of the Republic of Macedonia and readiness to further deepen partner relations and cooperation with the Congress, particularly through the House Democracy Partnership program (HDP). Expressing appreciation for Macedonia’s participation in peacekeeping missions, it was stressed that of great importance is the Republic of Macedonia’s integration into NATO, which would mean a positive impulse for the whole region, further stabilization of relations and expansion of the zone of stability and security.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, today received Ms. Jozefina Topalli, President of the Parliament of the Republic of Albania.

At the meeting, satisfaction was expressed with the level of bilateral relations between the two countries and the mutual commitment to further strengthen the friendship and good neighborly relations through open dialogue was confirmed.

The collocutors exchanged views on the Euro-Atlantic integrations of Macedonia and Albania, the situation in the region, and the possibility of intensifying the economic cooperation, which was assessed as not corresponding with the high level of political relations. Common conclusion of the meeting was that the European integration processes in the region are moving and that both countries should continue the good cooperation and mutual support for Macedonia’s integration into NATO and the European Union and for Albania’s integration into the EU.

President Ivanov expressed his expectation that the Republic of Albania will support Macedonia’s membership in NATO, particularly ay the upcoming Summit in Chicago and expressed readiness for close cooperation in the European integration processes and for sharing experiences in this regard. The Speaker of the Albanian Parliament noted that the Republic of Albania supports Macedonia’s integration into the Euro-Atlantic structures, and that promoting good neighborly relations is an important element in favor of the European integration.

They also agreed that it is necessary to intensify the economic cooperation, stressing the importance of infrastructure and energy connectivity between the two countries and the opportunities for deepening the cooperation in tourism and agriculture.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov today hosted a working lunch for the Ambassadors of the Western Balkan countries, the Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia and the Head of Delegation of the European Union in Macedonia.

The talks focused on the Euro-Atlantic integration as a strategic commitment of the countries of the region. President Ivanov and Ambassadors agreed that the EU integration of the entire Western Balkans simply has no alternative, but also the project united and prosperous Europe would not be complete without the countries of the region joining the Union.

President and Ambassadors exchanged views on current developments and latest achievements of the countries pertaining to the EU and NATO. Unanimous conclusion was that our region has undergone a dramatic transformation over a period of just one decade, and that despite previous perceptions, today, spirit of cooperation prevails, identical visions and mutual support in meeting strategic goals. Ambassadors welcomed the high level pre-accession dialogue Macedonia has launched with the European Union and expressed hope that the country will soon receive an invitation for NATO membership.

President Ivanov confirmed the Republic of Macedonia’s commitments to deepen and strengthen regional cooperation and exchange of experiences aimed at tracing a common European way. Given the Republic of Macedonia’s upcoming chairmanship of the two major regional initiatives – the SEE Cooperation Process and the Dialogue among Civilizations, President Ivanov reiterated that regional meetings need to enter into a new era, initiating and implementing specific projects, noting that political declarations are no longer sufficient and that concrete action is necessary.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, today, in his Cabinet, received the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Hungary Mr. Janos Martonyi, who is paying an official visit to the country.

Wishing a warm welcome to Minister Martonyi, the President stressed that the frequent meetings at high level are a confirmation of the excellent relations between both countries based on friendship, understanding and cooperation.

President Ivanov expressed gratitude for the consistent and principled support of Hungary for the EU and NATO integration processes of the Republic of Macedonia, clearly expressed in the letter of the Hungarian Prime Minister Orban to the European leaders, urging for integration and settling bilateral differences in parallel.

Hungarian Foreign Minister congratulated for the positive changes and the success in the reform process in the Republic of Macedonia in recent years, emphasizing the importance of continuing the integration of Western Balkan countries. Minister Martonyi said that Hungary fully supports the launch of accession negotiations of the Republic of Macedonia with the European Union and integration into NATO, the Republic of Macedonia can count on in future. Also, he expressed hope that the open question regarding the name will be overcome through constructive political dialogue of both sides.

Both interlocutors positively assessed the high-level pre-accession dialogue between Macedonia and the European Commission, which is a transitional tool and an evaluation of the implemented reforms and progress achieved by the country in many spheres.

It was mutually concluded at the meeting that in the period to come, the bilateral cooperation should be boosted, with focus on economy, increased trade exchange and attracting and encouraging Hungarian investors.