The President of the Republic of Macedonian, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, received today Ambassador Nina Suomalainen, the new Head of the OSCE Mission in the Republic of Macedonia.

At the meeting, President Ivanov stressed that the Republic of Macedonia highly appreciates the role of the OSCE and the support to the Macedonian authorities in numerous areas – the rule of law, electoral process and legislation, support in areas such as police and judiciary, promotion of inter-ethnic relations and coexistence, media and freedom of expression.

In this context, the Macedonian President added that the Republic of Macedonia will continue to work together with the OSCE in supporting the reform in different areas, motivated by the country's European integration agenda.

President Ivanov informed Ambassador Suomalainen that key challenge for the Republic of Macedonia still remains the unblocking of the status quo in terms of our European and Euro-Atlantic integration.

Ambassador Suomalainen highlighted her expectations and priorities as Head of the OSCE mission and briefed President Ivanov with the upcoming activities related to the elections and the electoral process.
The meeting discussed the current political situation in the country, as well as the current challenges associated with the migrant crisis.

At the same time, President Ivanov congratulated Ambassador Suomalainen on her appointment to the duty, Head of the OSCE Mission in the Republic of Macedonia, and wished her professional success.