The President of the Republic of Macedonia Dr. Gjorge Ivanov received today the Deputy Prime Minister for implementation of the Ohrid Framework Agreement, the Minister of Defense and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Macedonia.

At the meeting with Mr. Musa Xhaferi, Deputy Prime Minister in charge for implementation of the Framework Agreement the coordination in terms of marking the 10th anniversary from the signing of the Ohrid Framework Agreement was discussed as well as the foreseen activities, which will be delivered by the Secretariat for the Implementation of the Framework Agreement and under patronage of the President of the Republic of Macedonia.

At the meeting with the newly appointed Minister of Defense, Mr. Fatmir Besimi, the development and reform processes in the Ministry of Defense were discussed. At the meeting it was concluded that it is necessary to continue and reinforce the close cooperation between the Ministry and the Cabinet of the President, accordingly to the competences of President Ivanov as Supreme Commander of the armed forces of Army of the Republic of Macedonia. The interlocutors reiterated the conclusion that the Republic of Macedonia accomplished the requested reforms and achieved the level for fully-fledged membership in NATO, and that the entrance in North-Atlantic Alliance remains a high priority in the Macedonian foreign and security policy. At the meeting the preparations for the forthcoming marking of August 18th, the Day of the Army of the Republic of Macedonia, were mentioned as well.

President Ivanov at the meeting with Mr. Nikola Poposki, newly appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs, taking in consideration that President of the Republic of Macedonia effectuates exclusively close cooperation with the MFA, expressed expectation for continuation and advancement of this cooperation. President Ivanov asked Minister Poposki for greater influence and increased efficiency and quality of the work of the Ministry, as well as for proactive Macedonian diplomacy, in order to achieve the strategic priorities of the Republic of Macedonia – full membership in NATO and the European Union.

President Ivanov congratulated the election to the three newly appointed members of the Government of the Republic of Macedonia and wished them a successful and responsible execution of their functions.