The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr.Gjorge Ivanov, received today the Letters of Credence of the newly appointed Ambassadors of the Italian Republic, the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Kingdom of Sweden and the State of Qatar to the Republic of Macedonia.

At the solemn ceremonies of presenting the credentials, President Ivanov wished the newly appointed Ambassadors successful execution of their ambassadorial duty and reiterated the commitment to strengthening and promoting cooperation in all areas of mutual interest.

At the meeting with the newly appointed Ambassador of the Italian Republic to the Republic of Macedonia, H.E. Mr. Ernesto Massimino Bellelli, the Macedonian President expressed his gratitude for the ongoing support of the Italian Republic for the integration of the Republic of Macedonia into the European and Euro-Atlantic structures and expressed hope that it will continue in the future.

"I expect this support to continue in the coming crucial period, in the wake of the European Council meeting in December. The Republic of Macedonia is encouraged by the positive steps of the Western Balkan countries. In this regard, we expect Macedonia to enjoy fair and equal treatment by the Member States, or in terms of a blockade, we expect the positive example of parallel movement and integration in addressing bilateral issues to be applied in our case, too", President Ivanov said, adding that the Republic of Macedonia expects in October the fifth consecutive recommendation to start accession negotiations with the EU.

Ambassador Bellelli said that the Italian Republic, having the chairmanship with the European Union next year, will push for European integration of the Republic of Macedonia.

"I can confirm that we will continue to strive and provide our support for this goal to be achieved within a reasonable time. The Balkans is, indeed, part of Europe and the integration of Macedonia into the European institutions is added value for its growth and stability", Ambassador Bellelli said in his welcome speech.

Both interlocutors agreed that in the field of economy, the relations between the two countries are firm, but there are specific conditions and potential for further improvement.

At the meeting with the newly appointed Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt, H.E. Ms. Manal Yehia El Shinnawi, President Ivanov wished her success in the execution of her office, expressing his expectation for further boosting of the cooperation between the two countries.
"I assure you that the Republic of Macedonia will continue to support the peaceful overcoming of the challenges you are facing and we are confident that Egypt will regain its place, role and reputation in the international community as a tolerant, free and open country, as factor of stability and prosperity in your region," President Ivanov said in his welcome speech.

The newly appointed Egyptian ambassador said that during her term of office she will work with the Macedonian institutions to achieve the highest level of relations between the two countries.

"I assure you, Your Excellency, that with your wise guidance, personal support and trust, I shall exert all possible efforts in different circles and on various levels in both countries towards strengthening our bilateral relations and promoting ever growing cooperation in different spheres", the newly appointed Egyptian Ambassador El Shinnawi said in her speech.

At the meeting with the newly appointed Ambassador of the Kingdom of Sweden, H.E. Mr. Mats Staffansson, President Ivanov expressed satisfaction with the successful development of Macedonian-Swedish relations and cooperation in various fields. At the same time, President Ivanov expressed gratitude for the support of the Kingdom of Sweden to the European integration of the Republic of Macedonia, expressing his confidence that it will continue in the future.

"In terms of a blockade, we expect the positive example of parallel movement in the integration and in addressing bilateral issues to be applied in our case, too. With this move, the European Union will confirm the credibility of the enlargement process and will provide a direct contribution to the overall ambience in our region. The Republic of Macedonia is a candidate country since 2005, in October we expect a new, fifth in a row, recommendation by the European Commission for opening accession negotiations. I think it is high time we are enabled the next stage - start of negotiations," President Ivanov said in his opening speech.

Ambassador Staffansson said he would give his utmost during his tenure for further development of the relations between the two countries in all fields.

"My government believes that Macedonia should start negotiations with the EU so that one day, when all conditions are met, it would become a full-fledged member. This is a long and difficult road, but the EU enlargement is a key solution for the reforms, modernization and stability in the Southeast Europe", the Swedish Ambassador Staffansson said at the ceremony of presenting the credentials.

At the meeting with the newly appointed Ambassador of the State of Qatar, H.E. Mr. Hassan Abdullah bin Zaid Al-Mahmoud, President Ivanov congratulated him for his appointment as the first Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Republic of Macedonia, as a result of the excellent political dialogue and expressed his satisfaction with the development of bilateral relations and increased dynamics in the communications between the two countries and the high highest level.

"I am convinced that there is a period to come when the excellent political relations and frequent contacts will contribute to the opportunities and result in concrete projects with enhanced cooperation in the sphere of economy, technology, culture, science and education. Hence, I would like to express our full readiness", President Ivanov said in his opening remarks.

The newly appointed Ambassador of the State of Qatar expressed hope that the bilateral relations between the two countries will be further development and wished progress and prosperity of the Republic of Macedonia and of its people.