Distinguished Attendees,
Esteemed Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Dear Friends,

For already 4 years now I am honored to take part at the Eurasian Economic Summit. This summit is a place that brings together experience, wisdom and intellectual power of generations of European and Asian-Eurasian leaders.

As before, this year too, the Marmara Foundation gives us an excellent possibility to discuss topical issues related to the future of our Eurasian space. This year we are focused on the threats and opportunities for Eurasia, world's unipolarity or multipolarity, energy, information-communication technologies and security, education, health care and its effects on our nations, economies, on our relations in general.

Nelson Mandela said that a good leader can engage in debate frankly and thoroughly, knowing that, at the end, the two sides must be closer and, thus together, they will emerge stronger. I am convinced that these two days will be a great opportunity for genuine debate on the challenges and opportunities this generation is facing.

Esteemed Excellencies,

The word "crisis" in Chinese is consisted of two characters; one implies danger and the other opportunity. We live in a time of great and fundamental change, when the world economy situation is unclear. Change always brings opportunities. It is up to us to recognize and take advantage of the opportunities.

Last year I said that we need a new era of regional cooperation in South East Europe marked with concrete projects. Enough of declarative speeches and formalism. There is, however, among the great things that are suspected to be unachievable and the small things we often find excuses for, saying that we have no time to indulge in, a danger not to do anything. It is time for concrete cooperation for the sake of our citizens.

This year, the Republic of Macedonia presides with the oldest autochthonous regional initiative - the South-East European Cooperation Process. In June, I will be hosting a summit dedicated to specific issues, concrete problems faced by all our countries. We will discuss our specific contribution to increase the safety of our communities from natural and man-caused disasters. It will have a direct impact on the achievement of sustainable economic growth and development in terms of change in general. Change we can not always prevent, but we have to adapt to.

The credibility of our regional initiatives, of our regional gatherings is concerned. Citizens are looking for concrete work. The one, who is privileged to know, is obliged to do something, for this, but also for the future generations.

Tomorrow, at the Presidential Session, we will have the opportunity to exchange views on key topics like this one.

Dear Friends,

At the very end, convinced that this forum will ensure fruitful debate, exchange of views and opportunities for collaboration, let me, once again, greet all participants and extend my cordial congratulations to the organizers.

Thank you.