The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, today met with the Heads of Diplomatic and Consular Missions of the Republic of Macedonia abroad.

At the meeting, the Macedonian diplomats briefed the President on their activities in 2012, and they exchanged views and suggestions to improve the situation in the Macedonian diplomacy.

President Ivanov’s general assessment is that the Macedonian diplomacy was successfully engaged in the fulfillment of the set objectives and goals, and has given adequate contribution to the creation of a positive perception of the country on the international stage.

Regarding the recent developments in foreign policy, the President said that he is satisfied with the valuation of the judgment of the International Court of Justice, which clearly confirms the correctness of our policy in the past period. The judgment greatly contributed to the increase of foreign support of Macedonia’s Euro-Atlantic integration, which was evident at the last NATO and the EU Summit. The failure to realize the goals, and, thus, to unblock the Euro-Atlantic integration, should not be understood as our failure nor it should lead to disappointment. In this context, President Ivanov urged the diplomats to be further engaged in the affirmation of Macedonia’s constructivism and position in relation to the imposed name dispute, as well as to invest increased efforts in presenting the true picture of the good neighborly relations and the efforts that are invested by the country for their further promotion.

Limited resources available to the diplomatic and consular missions, according to the President, should not be an obstacle, or an alibi; all diplomatic potentials should be put in function of meeting the challenges the Republic of Macedonia may face next year.

Maximum commitment of the diplomatic network is of utmost importance in the affirmation of the Republic of Macedonia on political level, through affirmation of successes and reforms in the country, through affirmation of constructivism in regional cooperation, as well as promotion of the ongoing activities within the Republic of Macedonia's chairmanships of the two regional initiatives - South East Europe Cooperation Process (SEECP) and Dialogue among Civilizations.

With regard to the need for economic development, as one of the key priorities of the country, at the meeting, the Macedonian diplomats were commended on their contacts with foreign businessmen and business communities, as well as their initiatives to promote the economic performance of the Republic of Macedonia.

President Ivanov, also highlighted the need for strengthened efforts to unite the Diaspora and to overcome the problems, as well as proactive role to improve the position of the Macedonian national minority in certain countries. Moreover, the President urged for greater presence of the ambassadors in the public space, but also more activities in the cultural diplomacy.

In order to provide quality, active and offensive diplomacy, President Ivanov stressed that the engagement of the diplomats will still be subject of rigorous control and assessment.

Macedonia needs hardworking, dedicated, well-informed and credible ambassadors. You are the first image and association of the Republic of Macedonia abroad and it is a lot more responsibility than prestige, President Ivanov said.

For a unified, clear and well-argued voice of the Macedonian diplomacy, the need to improve the coordination between the relevant institutions and the diplomatic network was stressed.