The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, today in Ohrid had a meeting with Mr. Kurt Volker, CEO of McCain Institute for International Leadership, former US Ambassador to NATO and former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State.

President Ivanov expressed appreciation to Mr. Volker for the accepted invitation to be one of the key speakers at the School for Young Leaders, organized for the third year under his auspices, uniting young and creative force in the society.

Mr. Volker commended this excellent initiative of the President, expressing satisfaction with the highly professional approach used in its implementation and with the given opportunity to be part of it. Both interlocutors also discussed the possibility of establishing cooperation between the School of Young Leaders and McCain Institute for International Leadership, and the need for this initiative to be expanded in regional terms.

President Ivanov said that our region has a need of creating and preparing future leaders, not only in politics, but leaders in all social spheres - economy, environment, culture. Leaders who will build their vision on positive values, responsibility and creativity, and will focus their energy on improving general conditions, progress and collaboration.

At the meeting, the continued development of bilateral relations and strategic partnership between the Republic of Macedonia and the United States was once again confirmed. As the President stressed, the Republic of Macedonia stays firmly on the course of its NATO and EU integration, and that the role of the US as partner, ally and supporter, is highly appreciated.

The blockade to the realization of the strategic goals is unsustainable and it is necessary Greece to be encouraged to make a constructive step, concluded the interlocutors. Mr. Volker, who is dedicated supporter of the efforts of the Republic of Macedonia for a full-fledged membership in NATO, said that following the judgment of the International Court of Justice, the United States, Europe and NATO should make serious efforts Macedonia to be admitted to the Alliance, on the grounds of that decision.

The Macedonian President and Mr. Volker discussed the latest developments in the region and the regional cooperation initiatives, stressing that the integration processes of the countries add additional stimulus to the exchange, cohesion and cooperation in the Balkans.