The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, today visited the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Macedonia and had meetings with the Foreign Minister, Nikola Poposki, and with the Directors of various Directorates within the Ministry.

Main topic at the meetings was coordination of the activities within the South-East European Cooperation Process, during the Republic of Macedonia’s chairmanship. The meetings discussed the initiatives proposed by Macedonia within the SEECP under the motto “Solidarity in Action”, such as the establishment of the “Fund for the Future”, proposed by President Ivanov, the International Conference on Earthquake Engineering under the auspices of President Ivanov and the launching of the preparations for the Summit in June in Ohrid.

The principle of inclusiveness of all countries in this Initiative, promotion and establishment of regional interest for its integration in the European Union and promotion of the concept of single progressive regional neighborhood and cooperation memory, as Minister Poposki said, is the structure of the events planned for 2013. Planned activities at expert and political level will emphasize and reinforce the European capacity of the region and will contribute to promoting the role of the Republic of Macedonia in the development of good neighborly relations.

At the meeting, Minister Poposki informed about the draft amendments to the Law on Foreign Affairs, which is in a parliamentary procedure. He stressed that the new amendments provide a comprehensive and active preparation of the diplomats sent on a mission abroad, and the ultimate goal would be the creation of efficient, active and motivated Macedonian diplomatic service.

The talks also focused on the activities planned for this year about the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Macedonia and 21 countries, as well as the initiative of President Ivanov to grant awards for deserving foreign ambassadors after their term of office in the Republic of Macedonia.