The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, sent a letter of condolences to the President of the  Federal Republic of Germany, Mr. Joachim  Gauck,  at the passing of  Mr. Roman Herzog, former President of the Federal Republic of Germany.
 

Distinguished Mr. President,
 

With huge sadness we received the news of the death of the former President of the Federal Republic of Germany, the respected Roman Herzog.
 

On my personal behalf and on behalf of the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia, let me convey expressions of our deep sympathy and sincere regret. At the same time, please convey our deepest condolences to the family of President Herzog.
 

The name of President Herzog will remain deeply engraved in the memory of the German people. He was an outstanding politician and a powerful advocate for implementation of social and political reforms that have played a key role in the rapid rise of Germany in economic, social and political terms.
 

The citizens of the Republic of Macedonia will also remember him as a great friend and supporter of our country at times when we faced serious challenges and great temptations. As a member of the Arbitration Commission for former Yugoslavia, Dr. Roman Herzog took a principled stand on the side of justice against the fears and prejudices, assessing that the Republic of Macedonia has met all the requirements to be recognized as an independent and sovereign state. Though his and the position of the Badinter Commission was not respected by the European Community, with this positive report and recommendation, the Republic of Macedonia won a moral victory over those who doubted the rightness of our cause and our statehood capacities. Moreover, Roman Herzog was a consistent supporter of the Republic of Macedonia as President of the Federal Republic of Germany. Macedonia never forgets its friends.
 

His statement that “political decisions are made on the basis of real circumstances and issues, not because of some formal reasons, therefore, for me, Macedonia to be recognized fully as an independent state, it not an issue”, will remain deeply embedded in the Macedonian history. For all his merits, I had the honor to decorate him with the highest Macedonian award, the Order "September 8". We remain grateful for his commitment to preserve and strengthen the friendship and cooperation between our two countries and peoples.
 

May he rest in peace.
 

Dr. Gjorge Ivanov