The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, received today representatives of the Macedonian ethnic community in the Republic of Albania, active in the scientific, cultural, economic and political life in this neighboring country.

They informed the President with the activities of the Macedonian organizations in the Republic of Albania and the efforts they make to improve the economic, cultural and political position of the members of the community in Albania, as well as with their views and positions concerning the upcoming census.

President Ivanov reaffirmed the position that in this era and in such circumstances, every individual has the right, freely and without any pressure, intimidation or prejudice, to exercise its undisputed right to self-identification. President Ivanov stressed that the Republic of Macedonia is a model promoting respect and affirmation of individual human rights, a model that should be taken as a positive example by the entire region.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Mr. Gjorge Ivanov, today held talks with Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdogan, President of the Government of the Republic of Turkey. 

Both interlocutors praised the high level of overall political relations between the Republic of Macedonia and the Republic of Turkey, characterized by a spirit of friendship, a high level of trust and lack of open issues. The meeting also focused on the profound cooperation established between the two countries in a number of areas and it was concluded that the relations between Macedonia and Turkey might serve as an example of positive cooperation amongst countries in the region.

President Ivanov, expressing gratitude for the support for the Republic of Macedonia provided by the Republic of Turkey within NATO, underscored that Macedonia, having met already NATO membership conditions, appreciates Turkey's involvement in this matter. Views and information were also shared on the progress made by both countries on their road to EU integration. Prime Minister Erdogan underlined that the Republic of Macedonia can always count on Republic of Turkey’s unconditional support.
  
Prime Minister Erdogan said that special efforts are being made on firther intensifying of the economic cooperation with the Republic of Macedonia. Mutual satisfaction was expressed with the fact that the economy is set very high in the agenda of the spheres for cooperation and stated that the economic ties between the two countries are advancing towards the desired level. President Ivanov said that he is encouraged with the level of Turkish investments in Macedonia and the region, as well as with the expansion of the cooperation in the future. According to President Ivanov, Turkey’s emerging economy opens serious opportunities for our country.

The close cultural ties between the two countries and the contacts between the ethnic communities have significantly contributed to the Macedonian-Turkish traditional friendship and cooperation, interlocutors concluded. President Ivanov highlighted the common past of all Balkan states and the need of pinpointing the traditions that bring us closer - traditions of cooperation, coexistence and openness.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, on the occasion of the great holiday Rosh Hashanah and the start of the 5772 year according to the Jewish calendar, sent a congratulation message to the President of the State of Israel, Shimon Peres. 

Esteemed Mr. President,

It gives me distinct pleasure to congratulate you the holiday Rosh Hashanah on behalf of the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia and on my personal behalf and wish peace, well-being and prosperity of your country and the citizens. At the same time I avail myself of the opportunity to wish you and your family good health and happiness, as well as future success in the execution of your responsible duties. 

Congratulating the new 5772 year, let me express my satisfaction with the previous positive development of the relations and cooperation between the Republic of Macedonia and the State of Israel. I am confident that they will be further developed in future in the spirit of the established friendship and mutual understanding.

Conveying my most cordial wishes for a blessed Rosh Hashanah, please Mr. President, accept the assurances of my highest consideration.
 
L’ Shanah Tovah,

Dr. Gjorge Ivanov

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov received today the letters of credence of the newly appointed Ambassadors of Canada, the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Hungary.

At the meeting with H.E. Mr. Roman Waschuk, Ambassador of Canada to the Republic of Macedonia resident in Belgrade, President Ivanov expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of Canada for Macedonia’s integration processes. President Ivanov and Ambassador Waschuk highly assess bilateral relations and the meetings of the leadership of both countries. President Ivanov referred to the important role of the Macedonian community in Canada as a link between the two countries, stressing that in the new structure of the Macedonian Assembly representatives of the Macedonian citizens in Northern America are included for the first time. He expressed hope to further intensify the relations with the opening of the Canadian Embassy in Macedonia.

President Ivanov congratulated H.E. Mr. Faig Baghirov for his appointment as Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Republic of Macedonia resident in Ankara. At the meeting held after the ceremony of presenting the credentials, President Ivanov and Ambassador Baghirov expressed satisfaction with the bilateral diplomatic contacts and the efforts made to develop the economic cooperation. President Ivanov and Ambassador Baghirov discussed the energy projects for connecting Europe and the Caspian Basin region, as well as the possibilities the Republic of Macedonia to be connected to these projects that guarantee economic development and energy stability.  

President Ivanov and the newly appointed Ambassador of Hungary, H.E. Mr. Jozsef Bencze at the meeting expressed satisfaction with the high level of mutual relations. President Ivanov extended gratitude for the strong support given by the Republic of Hungary to Macedonia and its activities to start EU membership negotiations, particularly during the Hungarian Presidency with the European Council. President Ivanov and Ambassador Bencze expressed satisfaction with the level of economic cooperation and stressed that there are possibilities to strengthen it further. 
 

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, on the occasion of the International Day of Bosniaks, sent the following congratulation message to the members of the Bosniak ethnic community in the Republic of Macedonia.

Respected fellow citizens,

On my personal behalf and on behalf of all citizens of the Republic of Macedonia, let me extend my most sincere congratulations on the occasion of September 28th, the International Day of Bosniaks and wish you good health, prosperity and well-being.

The Republic of Macedonia, as a country having set as priority nurturing of various cultural specificities and traditions, is the home of Bosniaks, and other ethnic communities. The historical presence of the Bosniak community in the Republic of Macedonia contributed to shaping the physiognomy of our multiethnic and multicultural country, enriching its spiritual and cultural diversity.

Bosniaks regularly and unselfishly give their contribution in all spheres of life in the Republic of Macedonia, strengthening the efforts for a democratic and economic development and Euro-Atlantic integration of the country.

As a country, we remain committed to the goal to enable development and promotion of Bosniak culture and tradition, with a firm commitment to further promote, foster and upgrade them. We are committed to the goal, all our citizens, Bosniaks, but also members of all other ethnic communities, to be able to see Macedonia as a state where they can achieve personal and collective success and advancement. On this day, we can say that we walk along, leading our future generations to prosperous and peaceful future.

Please accept my best wishes for this great holiday!

Dr. Gjorge Ivanov

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov received today Major General Michael Dubie, Vermont National Guard Commander.

President Ivanov and Major General Dubie hold regular meetings within the frames of the longstanding military cooperation between Macedonia and the State of Vermont. Namely, the situation and the achievements made during the joint peacekeeping mission in Afghanistan were discussed at the meeting, which was also attended by Defence Minister Fatmir Besimi, Chief of Staff, Major General Gorancho Koteski and the newly appointed U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Macedonia, Paul Wohlers.

Macedonia and Vermont conduct coordinated actions within the mission in Afghanistan with an aim to secure stability in this country and to promote the establishment of a democratic society.

President Ivanov at the meeting once again stressed the importance of a joint contribution to preserving peace and freedom in the world, especially in regions fighting to overcome destabilization for a longer period. In today’s global governance, as President Ivanov said, the problems faced by one state cannot remain isolated and thus, neglecting stability in one part of the world, such as Afghanistan, can generate negative consequences in other regions.

Major General Dubie underscored the great engagement of the Macedonian army into peacekeeping operations, adding that the U.S. highly appreciates Macedonia’s continuous contribution, reflecting a true and profound friendship between two countries. He expressed gratitude to the Republic of Macedonia for the engagement of the Macedonian troops, especially in the ISAF mission.

The interlocutors concluded that Macedonia deserves to formally join NATO as soon as possible, thus additionally contributing to the progress and development of the Balkans. The Partnership between the Republic of Macedonia and the federal State of Vermont was launched in 2005 as a military cooperation between the Army of the Republic of Macedonia and the Vermont National Guard through the State Partnership Program of the U.S. European Command. Over the years, the cooperation was expanded into many spheres, including public services, crisis management, economic development, energy, sports...