The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, today met with the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities, Knut Vollebaek.

At the meeting, President Ivanov thanked Commissioner Vollebaek for the engagement and support the OSCE provides for improvement of the relations between the ethnic communities in the Republic of Macedonia. President Ivanov said that Macedonia remains a successful and positive example in the region with its approach to building relations of respect and cooperation among various ethnic communities.

President Ivanov and Commissioner Vollebaek reviewed the progress made in implementing the Ohrid Framework Agreement, and concurred that it reflects Macedonian long tradition of coexistence, set in a legal framework and offers solutions; it should be an example for the other multiethnic countries in the region. The President said that the functioning of the Macedonian democratic model showed that it is possible to implement reforms, to improve the society if there is joint participation of the citizens regardless of their ethnicity.

President Ivanov and Commissioner Vollebaek discussed the incidents that occurred recently in Macedonia. President Ivanov stressed that the Macedonian society responded to these isolated incidents with harsh condemnation and calls for them not to be abused for political or other purposes. President Ivanov added that individual incidents can not in any way affect or harm the stable model of multiethnic democracy that exists in the Republic of Macedonia.

President Ivanov and Commissioner Vollebaek agreed that it is important to implement the Integrated Education Strategy. President Ivanov supports the Strategy and expects its implementation. Conclusion of the meeting was that one of the goals of education is to enable better acquaintance among young people and their interaction.