The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, on the occasion of the US national holiday, July 4th – the Independence Day, sent a congratulation message to the President of the United States of America, Mr. Barack Obama.

Honorable Mr. President,

I avail myself of this opportunity, on my personal behalf and on behalf of the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia, to wish you, and the friendly American people, happy Fourth of July. Enjoying the inalienable rights to "life, liberty and pursuit of happiness" has become an inspiration for many generations all over the world to seek and exercise these rights.

Honorable Mr. President, I am pleased with the achieved level of Macedonian-American relations and cooperation, and in this solemn moment for the United States, I would like to express my expectation for further deepening of the friendship between our two countries.
Recalling Abraham Lincoln's thought that "a house divided against itself cannot stand", I would like to assure you, Mr. President, that the Republic of Macedonia and its people remain committed to the partnership with your great nation, partnership for protection of freedom, democracy and human rights worldwide. Inspired by these shared values, we remain focused on achieving the goal - Macedonia as an equal member of the European and Euro-Atlantic brotherhood of nations. I take this possibility, Mr. President, to extend my gratitude for the continued support in meeting our strategic goals and to express my conviction that in the upcoming period our strategic partnership will be enhanced and enriched, for the sake of our children.

At the end, wishing you personally, as well as the American people, success and well-being, let me extend, Mr. President, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Dr. Gjorge Ivanov