The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, today, a day before the Day of Education in Albanian Language, March 7th, received representatives of the Albanian language teaching and education sphere in the Republic of Macedonia.

The meeting was attended by Professor Nuhi Darlishta, President of the Association of Teachers - Albanians in the Republic of Macedonia, Professor Neset Dauti from the Education Department, Association of Local Government Units and the prominent university Professor Xheladin Murati, when President Ivanov took the opportunity to congratulate them and all teachers and education workers - Albanians in the Republic of Macedonia the Day of Education in Albanian Language.

President Ivanov and his collocutors at the meeting stressed the importance of education in mother tongue. The President stressed that the Republic of Macedonia is a positive example in the region, as a society that ensures education in mother language for all communities at all levels of education. He added that investing in education is investing in better and more advanced future for all citizens of the Republic of Macedonia.

 
The meeting reviewed the situation concerning the education in Albanian language, which was assessed as good. There was a discussion on the possibilities for further promotion of the availability and quality of the education in Albanian language.

The guests thanked for the invitation and expressed satisfaction that the meetings on the occasion of the Day of Education in Albanian Language are becoming a tradition, emphasizing that this confirms the importance which the Republic of Macedonia attaches to promotion of education for all communities in the state, as well as the role of the education in the integration of all citizens.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, sent a letter to the President of the Republic of Poland, Bronislaw Komorowski, on the occasion of the tragic train crash in southern Poland.

Respected Mr. President,

With deep regret I received the news of the huge train crash in southern Poland, near the town Szczekociny, and I deeply mourn over the lost lives and injured persons in this accident.

In these moments of deep sadness for you, your country and the friendly Polish people, and at times when there are no adequate words to diminish your grief, on my personal behalf and on behalf of the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia, I extend expressions of deepest and most sincere condolences. Our prayers are with you and with the families of the victims.

Please, Mr. President, convey the condolences to the families of the victims of this huge rail accident.

Dr. Gjorge Ivanov

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, on the occasion of the re-election as President of the European Council sent a congratulation message to the President of the European Council, Herman Van Rompuy.

Distinguished Mr. President,

On the occasion of your re-election as President of the European Council, allow me, on my personal behalf and on behalf of the Republic of Macedonia, to extend my sincere congratulations and wishes for further success in the execution of your responsible function.

I would like to emphasize that the Republic of Macedonia and I personally highly appreciate your commitment and dedication to the development of the Union, especially to the process of accomplishing the largest and most important project of our continent, united and prosperous Europe. Indeed, I believe we share the opinion that without accelerated integration of Southeast Europe, the avenue that leads to our common goals, stability and prosperity for all countries in the region, will be difficult. The citizens of the Republic of Macedonia strongly believe in this historic project, committed, with all their capacity and potential, work further to meet standards and criteria necessary to achieve their strategic goal, membership in the Union. Hence, the Republic of Macedonia expects the achievements and progress made to be crowned with start of accession negotiations with the EU, and in this regard, as before, we expect your support.

We assume it is high time negotiations to be launched. We would all benefit from this process, we, our southern neighbor, and also the wider region.

I am pleased that you still have as priority the policy for further enlargement of the EU, and in this respect, I expect your support for my country.

Distinguished Mr. President, please accept the assurances of my highest consideration.
                           
Dr. Gjorge Ivanov

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, on the occasion of acquiring the status Candidate Country for membership into the European Union by the Republic of Serbia, sent a congratulation note to the Serbian President, Boris Tadic:

Dear Mr. President,

I would like to extend to you my warm congratulations upon acquiring the European Union candidate status. I welcome the dedication of and the progress and success achieved by the Republic of Serbia on its road to acceding to the European family.

Today marks yet another great historic step towards European future of Western Balkan countries. Taking into account my and the strong commitment of the Republic of Macedonia to the process of EU integration, we are elated by your success, for it is good news for our region and a positive signal for the other countries thereof. I would like to reassure you that, as always, the Republic of Macedonia remains completely ready to cooperate closely with your state in respect of European integration. The European idea, unification and integration have no alternative for the endeavours for further prosperity, final stability and security of the region of Southeast Europe. I am confident that in their approach to the Balkans, our European friends and partners will keep true to this idea.

Please accept the warm and cordial regards from the Republic of Macedonia and the assurances of my highest consideration.

Dr. Gjorge Ivanov

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, today met with Vladimir Genedievich Titov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.

President Ivanov and Deputy Minister Titov at the meeting exchanged views on the current bilateral relations and concluded that the Republic of Macedonia and the Russian Federation foster close and friendly relations, continuous high level political dialogue, which contributes to the further development of the political, economic and cultural ties.

President Ivanov expressed satisfaction with the activities aimed at linking the Republic of Macedonia to the strategic project “South Stream”, adding that it would open new prospects for economic growth of the Republic of Macedonia. Both interlocutors considered specifically the possibilities for enhanced economic cooperation, for further increase of the trade exchange, guided by the positive trends in the export of Macedonian products in Russia, and the possibilities for increase of Russian direct investment in Macedonia.

President Ivanov and Deputy Minister Titov at the meeting discussed the latest developments in the Southeast Europe region, the European financial crisis as well as the global security.

President Ivanov at the meeting extended his gratitude for the continuous and principled respect and usage of Macedonia’s constitutional name, identity and cultural tradition of the Macedonian people by the Russian Federation. President Ivanov briefly informed Deputy Minister Titov on the current state of play related to the talks on the name issue imposed by Greece to the Republic of Macedonia.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, today received the Minister of Education and Science of the Republic of Macedonia, Pance Kralev, and the Rector of the University Ss. Cyril and Methodius, Dr. Velimir Stojkovski.

Main discussion topic at the meeting was the status of the Macedonian language departments in the world. President Ivanov, Minister Kralev and Rector Stojkovski reviewed the latest developments with these departments and the need to find solutions which would enable undisturbed functioning and advancing of these institutions which are of utmost importance for the development and promotion of the Macedonian language and culture.

President Ivanov at the meeting stressed that it is necessary to further and strengthen the support for the existing Macedonian language departments and to seek opportunities for opening new ones. Following the preparation of the draft-solution for the departments, another meeting will be convened to institutionalize the accepted proposal through the competent institutions.