The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, sent a letter of condolences to the President of the Republic of Serbia, Boris Tadic for the casualties in the fire in Novi Sad:

With deep sadness I received the news of the tragedy in Novi Sad in which six young people lost their lives. In these sad moments for you, for the citizens of your country and the families and friends of the victims, allow me, on behalf of the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia and on my personal behalf, to extend my deepest condolences. In these moments of sorrow, our prayers are with you and the families of the victims.

Please, Mr. President, convey the expressions of deep sympathy to the families of the victims in this tragedy.

Dr. Gjorge Ivanov

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov today in Ohrid held a meeting with Mr. Carlos Slim, co-chair of the Broadband Commission for Digital Development and one of the most prominent businessmen globally.

President Ivanov and Mr. Slim, who arrived in Ohrid on the fifth meeting of the Broadband Committee, expressed their mutual satisfaction that this forum is held here, giving the opportunity to Mr. Slim to get acquainted with Macedonia, its potential and capacities.

President Ivanov said that the Republic of Macedonia is strategically committed to the development of information technologies and information society, particularly in the context of economic and social development. The Conference of the Commission in Ohrid is a recognition and affirmation of those efforts.

Mr. Slim said that during the day he was introduced with the current economic situation in the country, with the strategic interests, as well as with the potential investment projects in several sectors.

Both interlocutors exchanged views on the conditions and advantages for investing in Macedonia, and all reform processes which set the country for six consecutive years high among the best investment destinations, ranked in the World Bank report.

President Ivanov wished successful and productive visit to the Republic of Macedonia to his guest Slim.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov today in Villa Biljana in Ohrid received the President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame.

The two presidents expressed their mutual satisfaction that the fifth meeting of the Broadband Commission and digital development for the first time is organized in Ohrid - the spiritual and cultural capital of Macedonia.

President Ivanov stressed that the conference attended by prominent participants is a kind of recognition for the Republic of Macedonia, because as a country it invests a lot and is strongly committed to the development of information technologies and information society, which is today inextricably linked with economic development and the overall social trends.

Macedonian President Ivanov and Rwandan President Kagame agreed that the relations between both countries, despite the lack of regular political dialogue, are, however, characterized by a high level of respect and friendship.

The presidents exchanged information on the current political and economic situation in both countries, on the strategic interests and goals, as well as the regional state of play. President Ivanov said that the Republic of Macedonia, in spite of the strategic priorities for integration into the European Union and NATO, nurtures interest and willingness to promote cooperation with African countries, following the principle of openness to all.

Presidents Ivanov and Kagame pledged in the coming period to identify possibilities for bilateral cooperation and mutual support and cooperation between Macedonia and Rwanda at multilateral level.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov today received the letters of credence of the newly appointed Ambassador of the Republic of Malawi, Mr. Isaac Chikwekwere Lamba.

At the meeting, President Ivanov expressed hope that Macedonia and Malawi will intensify their relations during Ambasador Lamba’s term, who is resident in Berlin.

President Ivanov and Ambassador Lamba discussed the primary political and economic priorities of the Republic of Macedonia and of the Republic of Malawi and considered the possibilities to promote the cooperation internationally.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov met today with the Deputy Prime Minister of the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Hui Liangyu.

President Ivanov and Deputy Prime Minister Liangyu at the meeting expressed satisfaction with the high level of relations between the Republic of Macedonia and the People’s Republic of China and assessed them as friendly and close. Both interlocutors agreed that the meetings at high political level continue to contribute to better knowledge of both countries and cooperation opportunities.

President Ivanov welcomed the constant increase in the trade exchange between Macedonia and China. Both interlocutors addressed also the measures needed to further increase trade exchange, which will be beneficial for both countries.

President Ivanov and Deputy Prime Minister Liangyu discussed the strategic investment projects in the Republic of Macedonia, for which Chinese institutions and companies have expressed interest.

Deputy Prime Minister Liangyu expressed satisfaction with the growing cooperation dynamics in the other spheres - education, culture and agriculture in particular, assessing the visit as successful, primarily due to the improvement of the legal framework between the two friendly countries. He conveyed cordial regards of the President of the People’s Republic of China, Hu Jintao.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov in his Cabinet today received the President of the Parliament of the Republic of Croatia, Boris Sprem.

As the two interlocutors concurred, the exchange of successful and constructive visits at the highest level is yet another proof of mutual respect, friendship and intensive cooperation between Macedonia and Croatia. The legislative dimension of the cooperation is extremely important and contributes to the further deepening of the relations.

President Ivanov expressed his gratitude for the open support by the Republic of Croatia for the Republic of Macedonia’s integration into the EU and NATO, as well as for the clear position of the Croatian President Ivo Josipovic that bilateral issues should not affect the individual progress of any country to the European Union membership.

The President once again stressed that Croatia’s EU integration success is a success and an impetus for the entire region, and that the expectations of the Republic of Macedonia and of the other countries in the region are the Republic of Croatia to be a strong lobbyist for accelerated integration into the Euro-Atlantic structures.

In terms of economic cooperation, President Ivanov and Croatia’s Parliament Speaker Sprem agreed that the trade exchange between the two countries is satisfactory and with an upward trend, but certainly there is room for further bolstering.