The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, received today the letters of credence of the newly appointed Ambassadors of the Republic of Turkey and the Kingdom of Spain to the Republic of Macedonia.

The meeting with the newly appointed Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey, H.E. Mr. Omur Solendil, expressed satisfaction with the excellent bilateral relations between the Republic of Macedonia and the Republic of Turkey which are at the level of strategic partnership, and willingness to further intensify and deepen the cooperation in the field of economy, tourism, culture, education and in other areas of mutual interest.

President Ivanov stressed that we highly appreciate the fact that the Republic of Turkey is a longstanding and vocal supporter of the usage of the constitutional name of our country and is one of the most vocal promoters of Macedonia's integration into NATO.

"The Republic of Macedonia particularly values the fact that the Republic of Turkey is consistent in its unreserved support to our full-fledged membership in NATO. My position is clear and well known, Macedonia's membership in NATO is not only a benefit for us, but for the entire region and the Alliance. On behalf of the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia and on my personal behalf, I would like to express my gratitude for the overall strong and open support," President Ivanov said, adding that our country is interested in maximum cooperation with the Republic of Turkey within the Alliance of Civilizations, where both countries have a lot to say and offer, which from day to day confirms its viability.

The Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey, H.E. Mr Omur Solendil said that he will invest all his efforts to further develop the already existing excellent bilateral relations and cooperation.

"Our shared history and culture are the necessary foundation to ensure that our bilateral and multilateral relations and cooperation are constantly on a privileged level. One of the basic postulates of these relations is the presence of our compatriots who live as loyal citizens in the multi-ethnic Macedonia with the greatest desire to strengthen the Republic of Macedonia in all fields," Ambassador Solendil said.

The meeting with the newly appointed Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain, H.E. Mr. Ramon Abaroa Carranza, expressed satisfaction with the friendly relations between Macedonia and Spain which mark this year a jubilee - 20 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, and expectation to intensify political dialogue and deepen cooperation in economy, education and science.

President Ivanov in his welcome address expressed his gratitude for the support of the Kingdom of Spain for the European and Euro-Atlantic integration of the Republic of Macedonia, and expressed hope that it will continue in the future.

"We highly esteem the principled and consistent policy of the Kingdom of Spain for continuation of the process of enlargement of the European Union to the Western Balkan countries. The European ideals and values are firmly rooted in the Macedonian society. We are unconditionally committed to the process of consolidation of a prosperous Europe and building a common European future," President Ivanov said.

The newly appointed Ambassador, H.E. Mr. Ramon Abaroa Carranza, said that he will invest all his efforts in deepening and broadening the bilateral relations between the two countries, and in supporting the Euro-Atlantic aspirations of the Republic of Macedonia.

"Spain has always supported your Euro-Atlantic aspirations. Spain strongly advocated for the Stabilization and Association process of the entire region, adopted at the European Council in Thessaloniki in 2003. Also, Spain unreservedly supports your membership in NATO, especially in times when the world's is facing major conflicts and various crises, which pose a threat to all of us," Ambassador Carranza said.

President Ivanov congratulated the appointment to the newly appointed Ambassadors and wished them success in the execution of their responsible diplomatic duty.