The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov met today with the Minister for European Affairs of the Kingdom of Denmark, Nicholai Wammen.

Key discussion topics between the two interlocutors were the forthcoming meeting of the European Council in June and the possibility of unblocking the EU integration by setting a date to start membership negotiations with the European Union, as well as the prospects for deepening bilateral relations and cooperation between the Republic of Macedonia and the Kingdom of Denmark.

Emphasizing that the high level dialogue is not a substitute for accession negotiations, President Ivanov expressed expectation that Denmark, the current holder of the European Union presidency, during the meeting of the Council in June will open the question of Macedonia and will support setting a date for starting accession negotiations. President Ivanov expressed hope that fully respecting the Interim Accord, the ruling of the Hague, and the positive examples from the region of parallel movement in integration and overcoming bilateral differences, it would be possible to unblock the European and Euro-Atlantic integration. Moreover, President Ivanov stressed the readiness of the Republic of Macedonia through dialogue, constructive approach and full respect for the framework in which talks are led, a mutually acceptable solution to the imposed dispute can be reached, which requires identical approach of our neighbor.

Minister Wammen expressed satisfaction with the reform processes in the country, and congratulated on the launch and the achievements of the high-level dialogue with the European Union. He noted that Denmark, in the capacity of a Chairman, and bilaterally, remains a strong supporter of the enlargement and within its possibilities is making efforts all the countries of the Western Balkans, including Macedonia, to make a step forward in the integrations. Minister Wammen noted that the unresolved name dispute with Greece remains an obstacle on Macedonia’s path towards the EU and Denmark encourages and wishes both sides to find a mutually acceptable solution through dialogue.

Both interlocutors expressed interest in strengthening the overall bilateral cooperation between both countries and will to intensify contacts, given the fact that so far there has not been a meeting at the highest level.

Inspiring and Developing Exceptional Young Leaders
20-31 August 2012

Under the auspices of the President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov

The Program is intended for young people with accomplished higher education who wish, through their leadership skills, to contribute to the positive development of the society and the environment in which they live and work.

The Program includes leadership and management lectures by prominent lecturers and guests from the country and from abroad, management simulations and practical exercises. Teaching languages are Macedonian and English. The number of participants is limited.

All young people from the Republic of Macedonia and children of expatriates living abroad are eligible to participate. Accommodation costs (full board) are covered by the President of the Republic of Macedonia, being the Patron of this Program.

Application requirements:
• Fluent in English.
• The average grade of the higher education equal or higher than 8,5 (or equivalent if the diploma is obtained abroad).
• Working experience of one to five years and a Master Degree in the relevant field is considered an advantage.

Required documents for application:
• Two references/ recommendations from your organization, company or university. 
• English language certificate
• Copy of transcript
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Motivation letter (short)

Please send the Application with all required documents by regular mail no later than 23 May 2012 to the following address:

Cabinet of the President of the Republic of Macedonia
“School for Young Leaders” Commission
“Villa Vodno”
Aco Karamanov 33A
MK-1000 Skopje

Distinguished Mr. President,
It is a great pleasure, on the occasion of 9th of May, Europe Day, on behalf of the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia, as well as on my personal behalf, to extend cordial greetings and sincere wishes for prosperity of the European Union and our common home – Europe.

As we mark the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of the European Union, I believe that we need to remember the pledges engraved in the historic Maastricht Treaty. Two decades ago, the European leadership confirmed its “attachment to the principles of liberty, democracy and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms and of the rule of law”, while at the same time “desiring to deepen the solidarity between their peoples while respecting their history, their culture and their traditions”. Over the past decades, these ideals have brought peace, hope and unity to our continent, to the region of South Eastern Europe and to the Republic of Macedonia and its multi-ethnic, multi-religious and multi-linguistic society.

Bearing in mind the power of European idea to pacify and unify, I avail myself of this solemn occasion to express our gratitude for the support and guidance the European Union has given the Republic of Macedonia on its path towards European integration. “This Europe remains open to all nations. We profoundly hope that other nations will join us in our common endeavor,” reads the Europe Declaration signed by the founding fathers of United Europe in 1951. I want to assure you Mr. President that, despite numerous and unjust setbacks, Macedonian citizens remain committed to attaining the dream of becoming a member of the progressive European family of Nations. I look forward to see the day when my country becomes a full-fledged member of the European Union, with shared rights and responsibilities. I strongly hope that in the forthcoming period we can begin the negotiations for membership in the European Union. In this process we do not seek privileges, but the same criteria that applied for other member-states of the Union. This would certainly benefit not only my country, but the region and Europe as a whole.

With such a conviction and with most sincere wishes for future professional successes, good health and personal happiness, I convey to you the assurances of my highest consideration.

Dr. Gjorge Ivanov

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov sent a congratulation letter to the newly elected President of the French Republic, Francois Holland:

Distinguished Mr. Holland,
It is my distinct honor and pleasure, on my personal behalf and on behalf of the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia, to extend my most sincere congratulations on your election as President of the French Republic. I am also conveying sincere wishes for success in the execution of this high and responsible function, good health and personal happiness.

I avail myself of this solemn occasion to express my satisfaction with the current improvement of the relations which are being developed and built in the spirit of shared commitment to democratic, stable, united and prosperous Europe. At the same time, I would like to express my belief that with joint efforts we will be able to contribute to further promotion of friendly relations between our countries in all areas of mutual interest, both at bilateral and multilateral level.

I want to assure you, Mr. President, that the Republic of Macedonia and its citizens remain committed to fulfilling the centuries-old dream of European and Euro-Atlantic Macedonia. The rightfulness of our desires and efforts was confirmed with the judgment of the International Court of Justice of December 5, 2011, which provides for a new legal dimension and requires a new approach by all NATO member states. I hope we will have your support and the support of the French Republic in our efforts to unblock the European and Euro-Atlantic integration of the Republic of Macedonia. I sincerely hope for your support in the upcoming crucial period, especially before and during the NATO Summit in Chicago, and the upcoming European Council meeting.

With such conviction, I am conveying assurances of my highest consideration.

Dr. Gjorge Ivanov

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov sent a congratulation letter to Vladimir Putin, the new president of the Russian Federation on assuming office:

Distinguished Mr. President,
It is my honor and pleasure to extend my sincere congratulations to you for assuming the office President of the Russian Federation. At the same time allow me to extend sincere wishes for success in the execution of this high and responsible function, good health and personal happiness.

I avail myself of this solemn occasion to express my satisfaction with the high level of traditionally friendly relations between the Republic of Macedonia and the Russian Federation. I believe you will agree with the assessment that for a longer period there has been a positive dynamics in the relations between our two countries. Political dialogue at high and highest level is a guarantee for further development and deepening of the fruitful cooperation in all spheres of mutual interest, particularly in the field of economy, energy, culture, science and education. I expect this cooperation and achieved level of political relations with mutual commitment to continue in the period ahead.

With such conviction and sincere wishes for your future successful work, good health and personal happiness, I am conveying assurances of my highest consideration.

Dr. Gjorge Ivanov