Saturday, 28 June 2014
MEETING OF THE PRESIDENT VELJANOSKI WITH THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF TURKEY AND THE PATRIARCH BARTHOLOMEW
The President of the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia, Mr. Trajko Veljanoski, in the framework of the official visit of the Republic of Turkey, had a meeting with the President of the Republic of Turkey, Mr. Abdullah Gül.
The interlocutors expressed pleasure from the meeting and the opportunity to contribute to the traditionally good and friendly relations between the Republic of Macedonia and the Republic of Turkey, which is in the interest of the two states.
The President Gül confirmed the support from the Republic of Turkey to the Republic of Macedonia in the context of the integration in the European Family and NATO, and expressed his personal pledge, the Republic of Macedonia to receive Membership in NATO as soon as possible.
The President Veljanoski expressed appreciation for the strong and principle support from the Republic of Turkey for the Republic of Macedonia’s Euro – Atlantic and European integration.
The President Veljanoski underlined that the Republic of Macedonia pays particular attention to the bilateral relations, as well as to the multilateral relations, and remains dedicated and responsible member of the international community, contributing to the regional cooperation and the good neighbourly relations, through respect and understanding, trust and constructive dialogue.
The interlocutors agreed that the area of economy, defence and culture are significant for the overall relations between the states. The pleasure from the so far development of the economic relations between the states was underlined, and the interest for deepening the trade and economic cooperation was emphasised.
The President Veljanoski, in the framework of the two day’s official visit to the Republic of Turkey, had a meeting with the Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople.
At the meeting at the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the President Veljanoski expressed appreciation and respect for the spiritual contribution of the Patriarch Bartholomew I for the overall Orthodox Community, where the Macedonian people and the Macedonian Orthodox Church – Ohrid Archiepiscopy belong to.
The Patriarch Bartholomew I underlined that these meetings are always welcomed and greatly joyful for the Patriarchy, expressing pleasure from the meeting the President of the Parliament and the Delegation.
He also expressed hope that the solution for the dispute of the Church will be found soon, conveying his wishes for finding a solution for the name issue, in direction of improvement of the cooperation.
The President Veljanoski expressed conviction that every dispute can be surpassed and every problem can be solved only through dialogue, will and respect.
The President Veljanoski conveyed the greetings to the Patriarch Bartholomew I from the Head of the Macedonian Orthodox Church, Archiebishop Stefan of Ohrid and Macedonia and invited Patriarch Bartholomew I to visit the Republic of Macedonia, stating that this will be great joy for the Macedonian citizens.
On behalf of the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia the President Veljanoski presented the Patriarch Bartholomew I with an icon of the Holy Mother of God.