The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjroge Ivanov, met today with the leadership of the universities in the Republic of Macedonia.

The meeting was attended by prof. Dr. Velimir Stojkovski, Rector of the University "Ss. Cyril and Methodius" - Skopje, prof. Dr. Arber Celiku, Provost of the State University in Tetovo, prof. Dr. Zamir Dika, Rector of the University of Southeastern Europe, prof. Dr. Sasha Mitrev, Rector of the University "Goce Delchev" - Stip, PhD. Dr. Saso Atanasoski, Provost of the University "St. Kliment Ohridski" - Bitola and prof. Dr. Bratislav Stankovic, Provost of the University "St. Paul the Apostle" - Ohrid.

The meeting discussed the views, observations, impressions and suggestions for improvement of the system of studies which were presented by the students with the highest average, students at the universities in the Republic of Macedonia during the six meetings that President Ivanov held in the period March 2012 to April 2013, as part of its program and activity policy towards young people and students.

The attendees at the meeting welcomed President Ivanov's initiative and thanked for the opportunity to express their opinion regarding the work of the universities. University representatives concluded that the challenges faced by higher education institutions in their work need to be addressed in a systematic manner, and the solutions offered to be complementary.

At the meeting, President Ivanov said that universities and students need to adapt to the new era that requires constant upgrading of knowledge and skills. The future of our country depends on the structures coming out of the universities, President Ivanov said. The Macedonian President asked universities to offer solutions according to the trends in the society and the needs of the labor market.

President Ivanov and his interlocutors agreed that this type of meetings should continue in order presented suggestions and ideas to find their adequate application.