The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, received today credentials by the newly appointed Ambassadors of the Republic of Finland, Republic of Latvia and Ireland.

At the meeting with the newly appointed Ambassador of the Republic of Finland, H.E. Mr. Timo Rajakangas, the Macedonian President expressed his expectation for utilization of the potential between the two countries in promoting the Macedonian-Finnish relations. He also stressed that the Republic of Macedonia is ready to immediately begin the next phase of its EU integration.

"For us, the Finnish experience in different areas shared through the Finnish development aid and twinning projects was of particular importance. I hope that in the coming vital period we can count on the Finnish support," President Ivanov said.

Ambassador Rajakangas congratulated President Ivanov's re-election and said that Finland will still be a strong supporter of the EU enlargement policy. "We are continuously supporting the European Commission recommendations for opening negotiations with the Republic of Macedonia. Finland has a strong view that the integration process should be based on objective criteria adopted jointly. We regret that a bilateral dispute impedes progress in the case of your country and we urge the parties concerned to do all efforts to find a way to move forward without further delay," Ambassador Rajakangas said.

At the meeting with the newly appointed Ambassador of the Republic of Latvia, H.E. Mr. Alberts Sarkanis, the Macedonian President expressed satisfaction with the achieved level of relations between the two countries, adding that for the Republic of Macedonia, the EU-Atlantic integration is crucial.

"I would like to extend my gratitude for the support of the Republic of Latvia to the efforts of my country's integration into the European and Euro-Atlantic structures. I expect this support to continue in the coming crucial period, in anticipation of the meeting of the European Council and the upcoming NATO Summit," President Ivanov said.

"The Republic of Latvia, according to the opportunities and position, strongly supports Macedonia's integration into the EU. Latvia will preside over the EU Council from 1 January 2015. We expect the main motives of the presidency - development, inclusion and sustainability, to be encouraging for Macedonia, too," said Ambassador Sarkanis, pledging to develop and strengthen relations between the two countries.

At the meeting with the newly appointed Ambassador of Ireland, H.E. Mr. Gerard Core, President Ivanov stressed that the Republic of Macedonia highly appreciates the support that Ireland gives in continuity in achieving our strategic goals for membership in NATO and the European Union, and added that the Macedonian-Irish relations are developing in a spirit of friendship.

"The Republic of Macedonia is unconditionally committed to the process of consolidation of a prosperous Europe and building a common European future. Our primary concern is stability and security in the Balkans and the region's full integration into the Union," President Ivanov said.

Ambassador Core pointed out that Ireland praises Republic of Macedonia's achievements in the past years and its aspirations for EU membership.

"Ireland shares the position of the European Union that the prospects of the European integration are a powerful segment in promoting stability in Macedonia and the wider Balkan region," the Irish Ambassador said in his speech.

President Ivanov wished success in the execution of their duty to all newly appointed Ambassadors and expressed hope that their efforts will contribute to the improvement of the established bilateral relations.