The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, received today in a farewell meeting the Chief of the NATO Liaison Office to the Republic of Macedonia, Colonel Aleksandar Aleksandrov.

At the meeting, the two interlocutors expressed satisfaction with the cooperation between the Republic of Macedonia and NATO, and agreed that the relations are at an extremely high level. Particular accent was put on the Republic of Macedonia's contribution to the international peacekeeping missions.

The Republic of Macedonia is determined and resolute in meeting the strategic goals, President Ivanov said, complementing that the Republic of Macedonia has met all the criteria for membership in the Alliance and expects respect for international law and international obligations in taking its rightfully deserved membership. The Republic of Macedonia's membership to NATO is not only a benefit for us, but for the Alliance and for our region, and the Republic of Macedonia will continue to provide its contribution to the stability of the region and beyond, through participation in international peacekeeping missions, the President added.

The Macedonian President expressed appreciation for the contribution of Colonel Aleksandrov in improving the relations between the Republic of Macedonia and NATO, and wished him success in his future career.