The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, received today the Letters of Credence of the newly appointed Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia, H.E. Ms. Dusanka Divjak-Tomic, the newly appointed Ambassador of Japan, H.E. Mr. Makoto Taketoshi, and the newly appointed Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan, H.E. Mr. Nurbah Rustemov.

President Ivanov wished the three newly appointed ambassadors welcome and success in the execution of the diplomatic mission, and expressed expectation for constructive cooperation and contribution to the improvement of the overall bilateral relations.

At the ceremony of presenting the letters of credence of the newly appointed Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia, President Ivanov expressed satisfaction with the overall development of the Macedonian - Serbian relations and mutual commitment to fostering and building good neighborly relations.

"I am confident that the established legal framework, the Cooperation Agreement in the European Integration Process between our countries is an excellent basis for cooperation, exchange of experience and mutual support. We want to be partners and friends in the integration processes with the Republic of Serbia", said in her address to the Macedonian president.

H.E. Divjak-Tomic expressed readiness to contribute to the further advancement of traditionally friendly relations in all domains, and to consistent implementation of the policy of good neighborliness.

"Main prerequisite for achieving set goals, which require great effort is sincere political dialogue based on full mutual respect of the territorial integrity and the fundamental principles of international law", Ambassador Dusanka Divjak-Tomic said in her address at the ceremony of presenting the credentials.

At the meeting with the newly appointed Ambassador of Japan, H.E. Makoto Taketoshi, President Ivanov expressed his expectation for further improvement of bilateral relations between the countries by introducing new forms and contents, primarily in the field of economy.

"The assistance Japan provided after the devastating 1963 earthquake in Skopje, as well as the continuing financial and technical assistance of Japan to the Republic of Macedonia since its independence have only deepened the firmly established friendship that needs to be nurtured constantly", President Ivanov said in the welcome address.

Japanese Ambassador Taketoshi said Japan highly values the steady reform progress being achieved by the Republic of Macedonia after its independence, and hopes to deepen bilateral relations and cooperation in the wake of the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

"Japan attaches importance to the stability and prosperity in South Eastern Europe, including the Republic of Macedonia, and hence wishes to continue to assist the efforts of your country towards democratic reforms and economic development", Ambassador Taketoshi said in his address.

At the ceremony of presenting the credentials by Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan, H.E. Mr. Nurbah Rustemov, President Ivanov expressed satisfaction with the established political dialogue at the highest level and expectation for a more comprehensive cooperation in the future and finalization of the legal framework between the two countries.

"We are fully ready to cooperate and expect that in the future economic cooperation, as strategic areas, would prevail energy, agriculture, construction and tourism, as well as investment activity in both directions", the President said in his welcome speech.

Ambassador Rustemov said that the official visit of the President to Astana last year was an important impetus for intensification of bilateral and multilateral cooperation and expressed readiness to enhance cooperation between the two countries in the economic sphere.

"Priority for both countries is to strengthen business contacts and implement joint projects. In many areas of cooperation, there is great potential, especially to increase trade and expand cooperation in the field of investment", Ambassador Rustemov said in his address.