The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, received today the credentials of the newly appointed ambassadors of Australia and the Portuguese Republic to the Republic of Macedonia.

At the meeting when the newly appointed Ambassador of Australia, H.E. Ms. Julia Finney, presented the credentials, President Ivanov expressed expectation for advancement of bilateral relations and intensification of political dialogue and economic cooperation with Australia.

"I take this occasion to express my conviction that you, with your diplomatic experience and efforts, will contribute to the improvement of the relations and enhancement of the cooperation between our two countries," President Ivanov said in his welcome speech.

The newly appointed Ambassador of Australia, Ms Finney, expressed confidence that during her term she would do everything in her power to strengthen the relations between the two countries in all fields.

At the meeting when newly appointed Ambassador of the Portuguese Republic, H.E. Mr. Augusto José Saraiva Peixoto Pestana, presented the credentials, President Ivanov expressed willingness for further deepening of bilateral relations and enhancement of cooperation in all areas of common interest.

"Our primary interest is stability and prosperity in the Balkans and its full integration into the European Union. I hope we can count on the Portuguese support in the attainment of our strategic goals, NATO and EU integration," President Ivanov said.

The newly appointed ambassador stressed that the Portuguese state will continue to support the full integration of the Republic of Macedonia and of the other countries in the Western Balkans, into NATO and the European Union, adding that the reforms implemented in our country are highly valued by the European countries.

"We think that the efforts of your country in terms of implementing reforms are extremely positive and crucial in strengthening the partnership with the Alliance. Recently, the member-states of NATO reaffirmed their commitment to the open door policy and expressed hope that the Euro-Atlantic integration of the Republic of Macedonia will become a reality," the Ambassador said.

President Ivanov wished the newly appointed ambassadors successful execution of the responsible diplomatic mission and expressed support in the execution of their duties.