Respected Members of the Army of Republic of Macedonia,
Dear Citizens of the Republic of Macedonia,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

As a Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Macedonia, it is my true honor to greet you today at the ceremonial parade of the units of the Army of Republic of Macedonia, on the occasion of May 9 - Europe Day and Victory Day.

Today is a day when Europe celebrates the 64th anniversary of the Robert Schuman Declaration, which laid the foundation of the European Union, one of the most successful peace projects in history, but also a day when we mark the 69th anniversary of the victory over fascism.

The Victory Day meant building of a new democratic world, of new values and new relations. The United Nations, NATO, the European Union were thus established. Who could have believed that the ruins of the torn and bloody Europe would turn into a politically and economically powerful European Union, that the dream of a united Europe would come true? This peace project is still unfinished and we should not wait any longer for a full unification of Europe.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The Republic of Macedonia has proudly celebrated these two bright dates in history. In the year when we celebrate the 70th anniversary of the first ASNOM session, we remember the great contribution of our people in the victory over fascism. A moment that contributes to the lasting peace on the European continent.

Macedonian partisans became part of the great and just coalition of allies that fought against the evils of fascism and Nazism.

For many European countries, the anti-fascist struggle was ideological struggle against fascism and Nazism as the greatest evils of the 20th century. For the Macedonian people, however, the anti-fascist struggle was also a struggle for national liberation of Macedonia.

The participants in the National Liberation Struggle considered themselves as followers of the deeds of the Ilinden fighters, as factors in achieving their dream – a dream of a free and independent Macedonia. For that, we are eternally grateful to them.

Distinguished Guests,

Today, our generation has also a just mission, to build, in togetherness and unity, the Republic of Macedonia as a democratic and economically advanced country which fosters the values of all who live in it. Our mission is to bring the Republic of Macedonia into the great European and Euro-Atlantic family of nations, with all the dignity we deserve.

You, the members of the Army of Republic of Macedonia, known for your professionalism, dedication and achievements, constantly exceeding our expectations and the expectations of our partners and allies, should take, as soon as possible, your rightful place in NATO, sharing equal responsibility as in the numerous successful rotations in the ISAF, EULEX and UNIFIL peacekeeping missions.

It is an aspiration that brings all our citizens together, regardless of ethnic, religious or any other affiliation.

Today's event is yet another confirmation that the Army of the Republic of Macedonia remains ready to take its place in NATO. We still abide to the values that nearly seven decades ago led to the collapse of fascism and to the creation of the preconditions for unification of the European continent.

Choosing the right path, as it was done in the WW II, this generation deserves to be part of Europe and part of the progressive and advanced world, as a country with democratic and economic prosperity. All obstacles that are non-essential by nature and have nothing to do with the values upon which the modern democratic world is built will not stop us in attaining our goal.

Dear Friends,

At the end, once again, I congratulate you May 9, deeply convinced that we will continue to work according to the three values that have marked these decades: patriotism, perseverance and professionalism. Values that are a prerequisite for our freedom, justice and dignity.

Many happy returns of May 9, the Victory Day!
Long live the Army of the Republic of Macedonia!
Long live the Republic of Macedonia!

Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is my honor and pleasure to address you on the occasion of awarding the title "Best Young Scientist" which values the highest scientific achievements in a calendar year.

This recognition is successfully achieving its goal - stimulating Macedonian science and Macedonian young scientists up to 30 years of age. As one of the projects at the beginning of my term, I believe that the award justified the expectations, providing encouragement and support of the young Macedonian scientific thought.

Every year, the Commission faces a challenge, among around twenty applicants with exceptional quality, to choose the best among the best. I thank all the Commission members for their involvement in the selection of the holder of the award "Best Young Scientist". I thank the reviewers, who have done a great job together with the Commission.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

By choosing the best young scientist for 4 years in a row, we contribute to the development of the young Macedonian scientific thought. The Republic of Macedonia has great potential in all academic areas. However, we need to invest in the potential. Hence, we should do everything so that the young scientists can take their seats in the educational institutions, companies, where they can contribute most with their scholarly work.

This year, the title "Best Young Scientist" is awarded to the youngest ever winner, Petar Stojanov, who has not yet turned 26. There are years and years of scientific work ahead of him. Stojanov was educated and started his professional career in the US, which shows that quality and open-mindedness do not recognize limits and barriers. Hopefully, despite international career, we will have the opportunity to see him much more in its home country, the Republic of Macedonia.

Our young scientists can compete with knowledge and creativity everywhere and with everyone. The mutual cooperation of our scientists, between those working abroad and those living and creating in the Republic of Macedonia, will be more valuable for them, for the Macedonian science and for the overall Macedonian society. In today's global and interdependent world, all scientists, regardless of where they come from and where they work, have an equal opportunity for promotion and presentation.
The field Petar Stojanov is working and exploring - bioinformatics is extremely important scientific discipline. It is in the top of the priority of research in the field of biomedical sciences in the advanced countries, and as such will be intensively developed and upgraded. Hence, I believe that we are yet to hear more about the scientific achievements of Stojanov.

At the end, I wish Petar Stojanov, and all the other young scientists who were part of the competition for selection of the best young scientist in 2013, much success and long fruitful scientific work.

Thank you.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Macedonia and the Slovak Republic, attended today the promotion of the "Proclamation" of Constantine the Philosopher, St. Cyril.

The Ambassador of the Slovak Republic, H.E. Mr. Martin Bezak, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Macedonia, Mr. Nikola Poposki, the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Macedonia, Mrs. Kanceska Milevska, addressed the attendees at the promotion.

An exhibition was opened as part of the celebration, "1150 years since the advent of Constantine and Methodius on the Slovak territory".

Patron of the promotion was President Ivanov, who also addressed the guests.

Distinguished Attendees,

Today, in our ancient city of Ohrid, with this promotion, symbolically, we are marking two decades since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Macedonia and the Slovak Republic. We celebrate the deep roots of the Macedonian-Slovak friendship.

The language is the key to understanding culture, traditions and worldview of one nation, its past, present and future. The language is the people's soul. Sometimes we forget what was once said, yet, the written word remains forever. Through the letter, authentically, we pass on to the future generations what we have inherited from our ancestors.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Reading the "Proclamation" of the Constantine the Philosopher to the Slavs, we realize why he and his brother Methodius were called the Slavic apostles. "All nations are naked without the book", says Constantine the Philosopher. Without letters, all nations are vulnerable, unprotected, exposed to the storms of history. Nations without their own literacy have always been easy prey to those who wanted to see them divided, conquered and assimilated. 12 centuries ago, the Slavic peoples were facing exactly that challenge.

The Proclamation awakens the nations to give them the greatest strength, the greatest power - the knowledge. Creating and spreading the Glagolitic alphabet from Macedonia, Cyril and Methodius gave us spiritual and creative freedom. They created a written language and used it for the translation of the Scriptures and for spreading of Christianity among the Slavs.

Esteemed Excellencies,

The battle of the holy Cyril and Methodius aimed at enabling the Slavs to learn themselves the word of God, to create and transmit their culture, tradition, to write their own history. The right to own language, the right to education, the right to identification are even today universal, fundamental and European human values.
The battle of our generation is to nurture and affirm their legacy, thanks to which we have our own worldview today, our uniqueness and identity.

Cyril and Methodius left us a communication code that connects not only generations, but peoples and nations. Through the literacy code we continue to build and promote the excellent bilateral relations between the Republic of Macedonia and the Slovak Republic, just as it befits two friendly countries and peoples.

Thank you.

Honorable President of the Government of the Republic of Macedonia,
Esteemed Ministers,
Distinguished Chief of Staff of the Army of Republic of Macedonia,
Respected Members of the Army of Republic of Macedonia,
Dear Excellencies,
Dear Media Representatives,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a true honor for me to attend the opening of the Pilot Training Centre for the needs of the Army and of other state institutions in the Republic of Macedonia. A Center that will provide continuous training of pilot candidates and pilots. Pilots for the domestic needs of the institutions responsible for defense, security and crisis management in line with the challenges faced. An advancement training Centre for current and future pilots, guardians of the Macedonian sky.

I constantly reiterate that we need to build Macedonia in height. Pilots to be trained in this Center will literally bring Macedonia in height.

The Republic of Macedonia has the will and capacity and equipment. As President and Supreme Commander, I am proud that the Republic of Macedonia gets a modern training center with the most sophisticated equipment in Southeast Europe and beyond. Especially the two flight simulators for helicopters Mi-17 and Mi-24, which, by the quality and features offered, are the world's top products for this purpose.

This confirms the commitment of the state leadership to continuously invest in modernization and education of the members of the Macedonian Army and other security structures. I expect this cooperation to continue. I expect the this year the start of the implementation of the long-term defense development plan, adopted last year by the Government of the Republic of Macedonia.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Many of us, in our childhood dreamt of becoming pilots, but only few remained persistent in their dreams. From now on, the most tenacious, quality and committed will be able to realize their dreams here, in the Republic of Macedonia, in the Pilot Training Center, an institutions that has already shown first results. Soon, the first Macedonian pilots trained in the Republic of Macedonia will be promoted, according to the top modules and most sophisticated equipment offered by this Center. Meanwhile, the competition for new candidates for pilots is underway. I am confident that, with the new approach in the selection, the best out of the best will be chosen.

Pilots trained as of today are expected most professionally to defend the sovereignty of the Macedonian sky, to maintain peace and order in the state and to protect and save the Macedonian citizens against the natural challenges.

Esteemed Excellencies,

Investing in its own security, the Republic of Macedonia invests also in the security of the NATO alliance and its Euro-Atlantic future. The capacities of the Center have already been presented to the NATO Air Defense Committee in Brussels. I believe our partners and allies will recognize the excellent opportunities we offer in accordance with their needs. I believe this Center will become a regional Pilot Training Center to be used by NATO as well.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

People look to the sky with hope and certainty. Hope for the future and certainty in the present. Pilots trained in this Center will provide security for the time we live in.

Thank you.

Ladies and Gentlemen,
Dear Friends,

With sadness in heart and pain in soul, I am standing in this place. Place where, exactly 10 years ago, my great predecessor, President Boris Trajkovski, along with eight of his associates, Dimka, Risto, Anita, Mile, Boris, Ace, Marko and Branko, died.

On that fateful February 26th, we all lost a part of us.

The closest lost a beloved husband, father, son, brother, cousin, friend...
Macedonia lost a great statesman and visionary with European and Euro-Atlantic strategy.
The region lost a peacemaker devoted to dialogue, building trust and mutual understanding and respect.
The world, indeed, lost a man with a big heart who, with his good thought, was connecting people wherever he went. Through him, Macedonia gained new solid friendships everywhere.

Dear Friends,

Boris Trajkovski was a light for Macedonia and the region at a time it wa most needed.

He led the Republic of Macedonia during the hardest turmoil of the country's independence. At a time when we were going through the biggest storm, Trajkovski managed the helm of our country and successfully pulled us out of the turbulent waters.

Aware that peace should always be kept, built and upgraded, once Boris said: "We are all guests in this world. There is time for everything, but now is the time of healing and peace."

Always faithful to his values, he wanted the benefits of peace and stability to be felt in the entire region that was still recovering from the trauma of division, isolation and conflict.

Recalling the great truth that "men and nations behave wisely once they make use of all the alternatives", Boris Trajkovski exerted all his authority of respected statesman and politician, to offer the region a new worldview. Worldview of dialogue as a prerequisite for building trust and unity among people, stated and nations With such conviction, he launched the Forum of the Dialogue among Civilizations, which fruits we harvest even day.

His vision of Macedonia and the region is reflected in one of his last public speeches, when he said that there is no other means except the dialog for finding acceptable solutions. That international law should be respected, that disputes should be resolved peacefully, that existing borders should be respected, that any use of force and interference in the internal affairs of other countries should be avoided. A vision that best depicts the real European and Euro-Atlantic values.

Dear Friends,

Led by faith in God, he believed in the future, in the reason, in Macedonia. The last document Boris Trajkovski inked his signature was on the application for membership of the Republic of Macedonia to the European Union. The very next day he went into eternity.

Today, ten years later, we are still waiting for the fulfillment of the vision of Boris Trajkovski of the European republic of Macedonia. I am confident that his dream and the dream of every Macedonian citizen for Macedonia, as a full-fledged member of the European Union and NATO, will come true.

In these sad moments when we recollect his short life and the lives of the eight associates, when we remember his great work and his covenant that commits us all, we never forget the promise that was his comfort and guide through life:

"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God."

To Their Eternal Glory!

Distinguished media representatives,
Respected fellow citizens,

Before the end of my term as President of the Republic of Macedonia, I feel the need and the obligation to extend my gratitude to you, the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia, for your support thus, and to inform you on the decision I have made for the coming period.

Throughout the past period, my ultimate goal has been responsible, honest and dedicated defense of the dignity and interests of Macedonia and the Macedonian citizens, and to remain committed and consistent to the program I won your trust with, being dedicated to its implementation and focused on our shared values in which we all believe and strive together.

I have worked hard, bearing the responsibility and burden of making decisions of the future of my own country, but, at the same time, bearing the obligation I feel for all of our citizens in meeting their needs and interests, which have been, in the entire past period, with their expectations, part of my everyday life .

I have tried my best. I have given the utmost of myself, as I was aware of the expectations and responsibilities and of what it means, in such times, to have this responsible position. We have passed through extremely complex times, many challenges, especially international, there were challenges and disappointments, yet, we have achieved many results, successes, improvements, but most importantly, in crucial moments, we acted jointly and united, strong and orchestrated, always guided by the interests and needs of the citizens.

I have led responsible and principled foreign policy based on our strategic objectives and on our national interests. Policy of openness to all. I was active in the economic and public diplomacy, aware of the need for promotion and affirmation of the state in this globalized world, and the necessity of opening new jobs in our country and attracting investment, something that I worked close on with the government.

I have always been guided by the interests of the citizens and the set strategic goals. At the same time, I have always been among the people, although my closeness to the people was sometimes seen with irony and mockery. I know where I come from, where I take my power from, from the people and I will always be proud and honored to be with my people.

I believe that we have achieved good results, as I believe that we can always do more and achieve further advances. There are years to come for even greater achievements. More work that is to bring progress and prosperity for all our citizens is ahead.

The road is paved.
These days appeared in the public the initiative for my candidacy for President of the Republic of Macedonia, which was supported by high-ranking intellectuals and professionals in their respective fields, public personalities of the social life of the Republic of Macedonia, people with results, achievements, credibility. The initiative was supported by eminent persons from the public life I had cooperated with in the past, compliant with the responsibilities and duties in addressing challenges and implementing projects and activities that bring better conditions and opportunities for the citizens.

I take this opportunity to sincerely thank the signatories and supporters of the initiative to support my second candidacy for the office of the President of the Republic of Macedonia. I thank all those who are constantly addressing the Cabinet and the People's Offices these days, asking to give their support or signature.

Dear citizens,

With honor and pleasure, taking into account all challenges and perspectives we face, with commitment and responsible approach, with a desire to achieve further success for our homeland, which will be of interest to all citizens, I would like to acknowledge that I have decided to accept the initiative for my candidacy for President of the Republic of Macedonia and submit my candidacy at the Convention of the VMRO - DPMNE for selection of candidate for President of the Republic of Macedonia.

In life, there are moments that determine our future activities and determine future joint achievements. At such moments, we need to make the right decisions, as a result of faith in values. The success is a result of making the right decisions.

I firmly believe that we all, the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia, Macedonians, Albanians, Turks, Serbs, Roma, Vlachs, Bosnians, and others, Christians, Muslims, Jews and atheists, have the potential and capacity to make wise decisions and we have shown that. I am proud of it, together with you, my fellow citizens, we have made that for our country. Let's continue together to build our common future, to build the country, develop coexistence, nurture the values and promote the national interests of the Republic of Macedonia. Being the President of the Republic of Macedonia means to be honest always to my fellow citizens, to keep my promises and the dignity and always be on the side of togetherness, democracy, unity and patriotism.

Let's continue together along that road, let's continue to fight together, side by side, shoulder to shoulder, for every citizen of our country and strive to improve our lives.

Thank you all.