President of Republic of Macedonia is the voice of democracy, unity and patriotism

12 May 2009, Skopje, Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia

"We are being faced with yet another big challenge. A challenge that will most compellingly and clearly evidence our historic wisdom, our national commitments and our place in the world. This challenge is called European Macedonia", Dr. Gjorge Ivanov said, being the forth President of the Republic of Macedonia, in his inauguration speech in the Assembly, on 12 May 2009, after giving the oath and assuming the responsibility.

"The office of President of the Republic of Macedonia for me is first and foremost responsibility. Responsibility I am assuming before the citizens of Macedonia, taking a solemn oath that I will do my outmost and invest all of my capacity and credibility in the wellbeing of our country and citizens. This impressive responsibility does not recognize political options, ethnic or religious, cultural or local differences. The President of the Republic of Macedonia is the voice of each and every Macedonian citizen. The President is and will remain the voice of democracy, unity and patriotism", President Ivanov stressed.

In his very first address before the members of the parliament and present guests, he presented his vision of Macedonia, expressing that his political agenda is clear and unequivocal - Macedonia member of NATO and of the European Union, strong and respected, with proud, prosperous and happy citizens.

"For 18 years, the Republic of Macedonia has been living its dream of free, independent and democratic state. A dream of history and a reality of our present in which the ancient and rich Macedonian culture presented itself as a young, but vital and strong state at the political map of modern Europe", underlined Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, reminding that the Republic of Macedonia on that path has emerged as a bright example of open and multicultural society, has courageously faced the challenges of the Balkan past, creating its own functional model, which unites the citizens and ensures a common and prosperous future.

The Euro-Atlantic affiliation and policy of openness to all, President Ivanov has underlined as key in the foreign policy strategy of the country, emphasizing that he will work diligently to further strengthen and deepen the mutual trust and friendship, especially in the areas of economy and culture.

Another facet of the Macedonian foreign policy that President Ivanov will put the focus on is the good-neighborly policy and the contribution of Macedonia to the stability and prosperity of the Region. He committed himself that the Republic of Macedonia is determinedly striding on the road of regional cooperation founded on the equality principle. President Ivanov stressed that special attention will be dedicated to the relations with Greece, with which we have always been and will always be neighbors.

The official ceremony was attended by 4 foreign statesmen, the President of the Republic of Croatia, Stipe Mesic, the President of the Republic of Serbia, Boris Tadic, the President of the Republic of Albania Bamir Topi and the President of Montenegro, Filip Vujanovic. In the Parliamentary Hall, besides the Members of the Parliament, representatives of the diplomatic corps were present, as well as the former presidents, Branko Crvenkovski and Kiro Gligorov.

After the inauguration, the President-elect had the very first bilateral meetings with the statesmen from the region.

Inaugural address of the President-elect of Republic of Macedonia Dr. Gjorge Ivanov in the Assembly of Republic of Macedonia