The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, today received the letters of credence by the newly appointed Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria to the Republic of Macedonia, H.E. Mr. Ivan Velikov-Petkov.

President Ivanov, wishing the newly appointed Bulgarian Ambassador to the Republic of Macedonia welcome, expressed hope that Ambassador Petkov will give a strong contribution to the further improvement of relations between these two countries. I believe that in the period ahead we will continue to strengthen and deepen the political dialogue and the established bilateral cooperation, we will introduce new contents in the spirit of friendship, good neighborly relations and mutual understanding, President Ivanov said.

As two neighboring countries that share common values, strategic goals and are committed to cooperation and development of the region, President Ivanov expressed his expectation that the Republic of Bulgaria will still be a strong supporter and partner of Macedonia’s integrations, and that the support will be confirmed at the upcoming NATO Summit in Chicago.

In the interest of facilitating and promoting economic cooperation, Macedonian President said that both countries should focus on infrastructure and energy connectivity, greater cross-border cooperation and joint participation in utilization of European funds.

Ambassador Petkov expressed expectation that the Republic of Macedonia will succeed in achieving substantial progress in the integration processes, stressing that in this regard the Republic of Bulgaria will continue its political support. Initiation of new projects that will provide concrete results and will facilitate the integration processes will be part of the commitments of Ambassador Petkov.

Extending cordial regards to his Bulgarian counterpart, President Rosen Plevneliev, President Ivanov expressed his expectation that in the interest of good neighborly relations, stability and prosperity of our region, the meeting at the highest political level between the two countries will continue in the future.