On the occasion of September 8, the Independence Day of the Republic of Macedonia and the 20th anniversary of the establishment of a sovereign and independent state, many heads of state sent congratulatory messages to President Gjorge Ivanov. Below are the messages received by this date.

The President of the United States of America, Barack Obama in his letter extends congratulations to the people of the Republic of Macedonia, stressing that September 8 is not only a day to reflect on the important progress that Macedonia has made in twenty years, but also a day to reenergize efforts to strengthen Macedonia’s multiethnic and democratic institutions. The United States values our great partnership and remains committed to working with you in support of our common goals, President Obama states in the letter.

The German President, Christian Wulff, in his message on the occasion of September 8, addressed to President Ivanov states - The path of your country towards European Union and NATO membership requires courage, reforms and long-term projections. Be assured that Germany will support your country as a partner. I wish happiness and prosperity in peace and freedom to you and to your people.

The President of the French Republic, Nicolas Sarkozy, in his letter states that he is particularly satisfied with the quality of the relations between the two countries, hoping that the same will be further intensified. He expects that the cooperation will be further promoted not only bilaterally but also in the approximation of the country to Europe. - I wish progress for your country in resolving the name dispute with Greece, thus accelerating the process of Euro-Atlantic integration. This would be a guarantee for peace and prosperity not only for your country, but for the entire region.

Pal Schmitt, President of the Republic of Hungary, expresses his satisfaction that in recent years the relations between the two countries are developing very intensively. - I believe that your official visit to Budapest in April this year is a significant milestone in this process. In the realization of the efforts Macedonia to join NATO and the European Union, the Republic of Macedonia, as thus far, can count on my support. I sincerely wish your efforts in meeting the tasks ahead, to be crowned with success as soon as possible.

On behalf of all Canadians, the Governor General of Canada, David Johnson, offered his best wishes, stressing that the ties between Canada and Macedonia have grown steadily over the years and that the relationship will continue to flourish guided by our shared commitment to the values of prosperity, peace and good governance. – I applaud the progress your country has made on its path to Euro-Atlantic integration and I wish Macedonia continued success in achieving this goal. Rest assured of Canada’s unwavering support as Macedonia addresses the challenges ahead.

Mrs. Quentin Bryce, Governor General of the Commonwealth of Australia, in her congratulatory letter, at the same time, stresses that she welcomes the continued number two-way visits by parliamentarians from both countries, which highlight the close people and cultural links between our nations. – I was pleased to see that the Parliamentary elections in June 2011 reserved 3 seats for the Diaspora and that the Australian candidate, Miki Dodevski, was elected to represent the community in Australia and Asia.
 
The President of the People’s Republic of China, Hu Jintao, in his congratulatory message to President Ivanov and to the friendly people of Macedonia, shares his view that the Chinese-Macedonian relations are developing steadily and that the cooperation in various fields marks positive results. - I am ready along with you to invest joint efforts in the spirit of the principles of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, to continuously promote the Chinese-Macedonian relations.

The Romanian President Traian Basescu in his message states: I recall with satisfaction the constructive talks I had with you Mr. President during my visit to Skopje in 2010 and I want to assure you in Romania’s future strong support for achieving the strategic goals of the Republic of Macedonia to join the European Union and NATO.
 
Ivan Gashparovic, President of the Slovak Republic, wishes to all citizens of the Republic of Macedonia stability, prosperity, overall development and European future of the country. – I am convinced that the friendly relations and cooperation between the Slovak Republic and the Republic of Macedonia will further develop for the benefit of the nations and citizens of our two countries.

Mrs. Micheline Calmy-Rey, President of the Swiss Confederation, in her letter extends sincere congratulations to the President, the Government and the people of Macedonia, expressing confidence that the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two countries will continue to intensify in future.

His Majesty, Emperor Akihito of Japan, on the occasion of the Independence Day of Macedonia sent cordial greetings and sincere wishes for happiness and progress of Macedonian people. 

Sincere congratulations on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of Republic of Macedonia’s independence were sent by the Swedish king Carl XVI Gustaf and the Dutch Queen Beatrix.

The Algerian President sends cordial congratulations and hope for further successful development of bilateral relations, progress and prosperity.