The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, today received the Letters of Credence of the newly appointed Ambassador of the Czech Republic, H.E. Mr. Miroslav Ramesh and the newly appointed Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia, H.E. Mr. Branko Rankovec.

In the welcome addresses at the ceremony of presenting their credentials, President Ivanov wished them welcome and success in the execution of their ambassadorial duty.

At the meeting with the newly appointed Ambassador of the Czech Republic, President Ivanov expressed his satisfaction with the development of relations between the two countries and their positive momentum, indicating that there are potentials to enhance economic cooperation. Emphasizing the excellent level of political relations and frequent mutual contacts, the President expressed his expectation that at the upcoming meeting of the European Council, the Czech Republic would pledge for a decision to start accession negotiations with the Republic of Macedonia.

“We recognize a true friend in you, and thus, we expect your help for proper evaluation of our progress and contribution to the common European and Euro-Atlantic values. I would like to express our sincere gratitude for the consistent and vocal support in meeting our strategic goals, membership in NATO and the European Union. Such support is an inspiration for us to continue on the path we have defined as priority, despite the blockades we face”, President Ivanov said in his address.

Ambassador Ramesh reiterated the support of the Czech Republic for full integration of the Republic of Macedonia in the Euro-Atlantic structures and the willingness to share experiences in this regard and pledged for personal engagement in strengthening economic cooperation between the two countries.

"It is my personal intention to achieve a substantial growth of the Czech-Macedonian trade turnover, as well as to encourage new contacts and projects in the field of culture, science and other areas of life and to contribute to the cooperation between our armed and security forces", Ambassador Ramesh said.

At the meeting with the newly appointed Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia, satisfaction was expressed with the level of relations and cooperation between the two countries and interest to increase trade exchange and encourage greater investment activity of Slovenian companies in the Republic of Macedonia.

Ambassador Branko Rankovec expressed strong belief that membership in the Euro-Atlantic structures and regional cooperation are crucial for the overall development of the region and the only way to overcome the problems of the past.

"We wish the political paths of Slovenia and Macedonia, after separation from the common state, to come together again, this time through common membership in the EU and NATO. We strongly believe that Macedonia is ready for dialogue and acceptance of necessary compromises that will pave the Euro-Atlantic path, and at the same time not to threaten its identity and fundamental interests. In addition, Macedonia will always have the support of Slovenia", Ambassador Rankovec stressed in his speech.

President Ivanov expressed his gratitude for the strong and continued support of the Republic of Slovenia for Republic of Macedonia's accession in NATO and the European Union as soon as possible and reiterated his expectation for application of the Slovenian-Croatian model - parallel movement of the negotiation process for European Union membership and resolution of the name dispute.