The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, received today Mr. Taizo Nishikawa, Deputy Director General of United Nations Industrial Development Organization - UNIDO.

Mr. Nishikawa informed President Ivanov with the organization’s activities, as well as with the results of the cooperation with the Republic of Macedonia.

The Head of State expressed his full support for opening of power generators filtering unit within the “Rade Koncar” plant in Skopje, which is already in operational phase.

Mr. Nishikawa informed the President on other projects which are being implemented, with a particular emphasis on the project for technical waste cleaning and remediation of contaminated soil in the OHIS plant. This project, which will be implemented through co-financing by the Republic of Macedonia and the Global Environment Fund, is unique and will be an example for other countries applying for financial support for similar projects.

As part of the mission of the UNIDO Deputy Director General is participation at the Waste Management Forum, where the advantages of the new technologies for remediation of contaminated soil and wastes in the OHIS plant were demonstrated

In this context, President Ivanov stressed that it is a matter of utmost importance for the Republic of Macedonia and a problem that requires prompt resolution, and expressed readiness to get personally involved and help in the process to the extent appropriate and beneficial for the entire project. The Macedonian President praised the efforts and willingness of UNIDO for close cooperation and assistance offered to the Government of the Republic of Macedonia to address this issue, as well as the success of the previous implemented projects.

Both interlocutors agreed that sustainable industrial development in accordance with the established environmental standards is of essential importance, and pledged to intensify cooperation in the future. The President announced that when he will be staying in Vienna next, he is willing to visit UNIDO headquarters.

The Republic of Macedonia for over 25 years is among the countries in the world that have shown remarkable success and progress in the implementation of international conventions in the field of environmental protection, in particular the protection of the ozone layer and the safe management of chemicals.