The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, received today the Letters of Credence of the newly appointed Ambassador of Ireland, Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republic of Ecuador to the Republic of Macedonia.

In the welcome notes at the ceremony of presenting the credentials, President Ivanov wished the Ambassadors welcome and success in the execution of their diplomatic mission.

At the meeting with the newly appointed Ambassador of Ireland, H.E. Oliver Grogan, the Macedonian President expressed hope for a more dynamic development of bilateral relations and overall cooperation, and more intensive political dialogue between both countries in future. Stressing that the Euro-Atlantic integration is a key integrating factor in Macedonia, President Ivanov expressed his expectation for enhanced support from Ireland, especially during their Presidency with the Council of the European Union, the first half of 2013. It is high time, I think, the country is allowed to enter the next stage of integration - start of negotiations. I hope, that in this regard, we will have the support of friendly Ireland, President Ivanov said.

Honored to represent Ireland in Macedonia, Ambassador Grogan pledged to do everything to strengthen relations bilaterally but also in European and international context. Ambassador Grogan gave assurances that Ireland will increase the support, especially during the presidency with the OSCE and the European Union. In that period, we will stand for fruitful strengthening of the relations between the EU and Macedonia, in particular regarding the membership process. Ireland shares the belief of the EU that the prospects of European integration contribute to promoting stability in Macedonia and in the wider Balkan region, Ambassador Grogan said.

At the meeting with the newly appointed Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina, H.E. Zdravko Begovic, views were exchanged on the current developments in the region, the cooperation in the Euro-Atlantic integration processes was confirmed and the upward trend in the economic cooperation was acknowledged. I would like to reiterate the strong support that the Republic of Macedonia provides to the friendly Bosnia and Herzegovina in its efforts for Euro-Atlantic integration. We are ready to work closely, and share our experience in this area. Only Euro-Atlantic integration of the region can provide what we all need: permanent stability, security, prosperity and welfare of our citizens, President Ivanov said.

The Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina expressed satisfaction with the cooperation at multilateral level and interest to intensify relations with the Republic of Macedonia. I am confident that the friendship and cooperation between our countries, the success in promoting relations that unite our peoples will contribute to prosperity, peace, stability and our common European future, Ambassador Begovic said.

At the meeting with the Ambassador of the Republic of Ecuador, resident in Rome, H.E. Carlos Danilo Vallejo Lopez, the first non-resident Ambassador to the Republic of Macedonia, President Ivanov expressed his gratitude for the use of the constitutional name of the Republic of Macedonia, as a solid foundation for friendship between the two countries. I deem that despite the geographical distance, there is a common desire and potential for comprehensive development of relations for the benefit of our peoples. I believe that with your efforts you will contribute to their building and strengthening, and therefore, I would like to assure you that in the execution of your diplomatic duty, you shall enjoy our full support and assistance, President Ivanov said in his welcoming speech.