President Ivanov, on the occasion of the International Roma Day - April 8th, sent a congratulation message to the members of the Roma community in the Republic of Macedonia and received the leaders of the Roma political parties in Macedonia.

The meeting was attended by Mr. Amdi Bajram, Union of Roma in Macedonia, Mr. Shaban Saliu, United Democratic Forces of Roma, and Dr. Bajram Berat, Party of Roma integration.

At the meeting, which is traditionally held every year, President Ivanov and the leaders of the Roma parties exchanged views on the situation of the Roma population in the Republic of Macedonia. Moreover, President Ivanov said that the Republic of Macedonia will continue to strive for the promotion of the rights of the Roma community and their full involvement in the Macedonian society.

In this context, President Ivanov stressed that the responsibility of the leaders of the Roma political parties, intellectuals and activists, is of no less importance, since they are expected to engage actively to overcome the challenges faced by the Roma population.

At the meeting, they exchanged views and assessments on the implementation of the Decade of Roma Inclusion. Common conclusion at the meeting was the need for increased activity for the full integration of the Roma population in the Macedonian society, and that the Republic of Macedonia in the European framework is the leader in observance of the rights of Roma as equal citizens of the country.

The leaders of the Roma parties thanked for the invitation and the possibility to meet President Ivanov, saying that it is of great importance for them the importance that the Republic of Macedonia attaches to the situation of Roma, as well as to the celebration of the International Roma Day.

The message President Ivanov sent to the members of the Roma community in Macedonia reads as follows:

Respected,

It gives me special honor and pleasure to all members of the Roma community in the Republic of Macedonia to congratulate the International Roma Day - April 8th.

April 8th is the day celebrated proudly by the largest ethnic minority in Europe, and it is a good opportunity to promote the history and culture of the Roma, but also to discuss the current challenges they are facing.

The Republic of Macedonia is proud of the members of the Roma community, which are an inseparable part of the Macedonian society in terms of the extent of the rights they enjoy, as an example for the whole world. Roma in our country have the opportunity to be educated in their native language and to develop their culture and traditions, to vote for their parties and candidates, and to be represented in all institutions of the state.

Dear fellow citizens of Roma nationality,

The process of further improvement of the social and economic situation of Roma is not stopping and it demands daily activities and maximal engagement. Rest assured that in the institution President and in my personality you have dedicated and faithful supporter of this process.

Many happy returns to this holiday!

Dr. Gjorge Ivanov