diplomatic bulletin nov. 2015

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Government DeleGation Pays Political anD economic visit to china

PresiDent ivanov aDDresses climate chanGe conference in Paris

euroPean council PresiDent tusk visits maceDonia

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D i p l o m a t i c B u l l e t i nmaceDonian

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MACEDONIAN DIPLOMATIC BULLETIN No. 100 – 20152

eDITorIAL

100th issue of Macedonian diploMatic Bulletin

Dear Readers,Upon the publication of the 100th issue of the Macedonian Diplomatic Bulletin, I am very pleased and honoured to address you on behalf on the team preparing this specialized publication: the Public Diplomacy Sector at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and our long-time external associate and partner - the Macedonian Information Centre (MIC) - which makes a considerable professional and technical contribution to the making of the final product with modern design.

Today, the Macedonian Diplomatic Bulletin is a useful and elegant tool to note and to broadly present the activities and achievements of all foreign policy stakeholders of the Republic of Macedonia. Also, by offering various kinds of information, it familiarizes readers with the other activities of the Macedonian diplomatic service and the Diplomatic corps in the country in an array of areas, primarily economy, culture and education. The Bulletin also features interviews and addresses by notable figures of different backgrounds on concrete topics useful for presenting their views and the policies of their institutions or states. Just as important is the column on Macedonia’s natural attractions and beauty.

The Macedonian Diplomatic Bulletin is published monthly in print. However, thanks to modern-day information technology, it is also available in electronic

form on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, thus reaching a wider audience. Moreover, through the Ministry and the network of diplomatic missions and consular posts of the Republic of Macedonia abroad, it is delivered to a great many distinguished addressees on all continents.

On this occasion, marking the Bulletin’s 100th issue, I would like to stress that aside from meticulously gathering and selecting information, the hard-working team of the Public Diplomacy Sector and our partner the MIC frequently introduce inventive solutions to the Bulletin’s content, thus leaving a personal mark, which gives the Journal an added value and makes it a representative tool of Public Diplomacy as one of the more significant tasks of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In the period ahead, I am confident that our whole team will continue working with the same intensity and enthusiasm on this reputable Journal, thus making a selfless contribution to the promotion of Macedonia’s foreign policy and to the achievement of the long-awaited and deserved integration into the European and Euro-Atlantic structures, as well as into other international processes and relations.

Ambassador Metodija Belevski

Director for Analytics, Public Diplomacy and Diplomatic Archive,

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Macedonia

PresiDent ivanov attenDs BrDo-Brijuni Process summit

PresiDent ivanov aDDresses climate chanGe conference in Paris

Macedonian President Gjorge Ivanov took part in the extraordinary

Summit of the presidents of the countries of the Brdo-Brijuni Process in Zagreb, Croatia, on 25 November, centering on the global security threats, peace and security in the region, and EU and NATO enlargement. President Ivanov addressed the plenary meeting, saying that closer security cooperation in the region, sharing of sensitive information and integration

of all the countries as soon as possible was pivotal in strengthening security.

In the conclusions of the Summit, it is said that open bilateral and regional issues should be approached constructively and in accordance with international law and principles. The importance of maintaining communication at an operative level among the USA, the European Union and the countries of Southeast Europe on a regular basis was also emphasized.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Gjorge Ivanov, and

Foreign Minister Nikola Poposki participated in the opening of the 21st Climate Change Conference, COP21, held in Paris from 30 November to 11 December. Attended by 150 heads of state and government, the Conference was officially opened by the President of the French Republic, François Hollande, and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.

President Ivanov addressed the main session of the leaders’ segment, appealing for “a legally binding climate agreement that will apply to all”. He said he expected

all hitherto declared commitments to be translated into tangible activities and all short-term solutions to be replaced by long-term ones. Let us replace the culture of profligacy with a culture of sustainability, selfish interests with interests of mankind and superficial rhetoric with concrete actions, not for our sake but for the sake of posterity, President Ivanov said at the end of his speech.

On the sidelines of the Conference, he held meetings with a number of leaders, including with US President Barack Obama, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras.

No. 100 – 2015 MACEDONIAN DIPLOMATIC BULLETIN 3

DIPLomATIC neWS

Macedonian Diplomatic Bulletin was founded in October 2006 by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Macedonia.

Filip II Makedonski 7, 1000 Skopje Republic of Macedonia

[email protected]

Editor:Vladimir Efremovski

Editorial Board:Zuko Rizvanski, Shaban Jashari, Katerina Stavreska, Olga Janevska Jovanovik, and Sejfullah Shaqiri

Adviser:Metodija Belevski

Photo: Ljupco Blagoevski

Published monthly by:Macedonian Information Centre

Director: Dragan Antonov

Chief Translator: Aleksandra Ilievska

mDb

No. 100November 2015

The articles published in Macedonian Diplomatic Bulletin do not necessarily represent the views of the Macedonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Macedonian Information Centre.

© 2015

Naum Naumovski Borce 73, 1000 Skopje, Republic of Macedonia www.micnews.com.mk

From 15 to 17 November, Macedonia’s President Gjorge Ivanov paid a working visit to the French Republic where he attended

the Leaders’ Forum of the 38th Session of the UNESCO General Conference in Paris. He addressed the plenary session at the opening of the Leaders’ Forum titled “UNESCO at 70. Peace and Sustainable Development in a Complex World” and attended the ceremony held to mark UNESCO’s 70th anniversary.

President Ivanov had separate meetings with UNESCO Director General Irina Bokova and the Secretary General of the International Organisation of La Francophonie, Michaëlle Jean, at which the Paris terrorist attacks were unanimously condemned. The Macedonian head of state also held informal meetings with his Bulgarian counterpart Rosen Plevneliev, former UNESCO Director General Kōichirō Matsuura and the Slovak Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Miroslav Lajčák. He also visited the site near the Bataclan concert hall where he paid respects to the victims of the terrorist attacks.

During his working visit to the Republic of Macedonia on 22 November, the President of the European Council, Donald

Tusk, was received by the President of the Republic of Macedonia, Gjorge Ivanov, and Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski.

The ongoing situation in the Republic of Macedonia, particularly the migrant and refugee crisis, and the country’s European integration were tabled at the meeting. The stance that Macedonia would act in compliance with the measures taken by the EU member states and the countries along the Balkan route, and the fact that the country was able to provide conditions for temporary stay of not more than 2,000 people at a time were reiterated in the course of the talks.

Mr. Tusk emphasized that the EU was a partner to the Republic of Macedonia and that he would continue to support it toward its full EU integration. He also said the EU was ready to extend logistical, humanitarian and technical assistance to the Republic of Macedonia.

PresiDent ivanov attenDs unesco General conference in Paris

euroPean council PresiDent tusk visits maceDonia


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During his working visit to Brussels on 23 and 24 November, Macedonian President Gjorge Ivanov held

separate meetings with the First Vice-President of the European Commission, Frans Timmermans, and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.

The challenges that the Republic of Macedonia faces in terms of the migrant and refugee crisis and the security situation in Europe were tabled at President Ivanov’s meeting with Mr. Timmermans.

“The Republic of Macedonia honors all international responsibilities in treating migrants and pays much attention to the humanitarian aspect despite its capacities being stretched to the limit,” President Ivanov said.

At his meeting with NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg, President Ivanov underlined how important it was for the world’s largest military and political organization to take into consideration the new security threats and geopolitical aspects and not to ignore international law and the Judgment of the International Court of Justice in Macedonia’s case.

PresiDent ivanov meets timmermans anD stoltenBerG in Brussels

On 24 November, Macedonian Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski together with a government delegation consisting

of the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, Vladimir Peševski, Foreign Minister Nikola Poposki, and Deputy Economy Minister Hristijan Delev attended the 4th Summit of Heads of Government of the Central and Eastern European Countries and the People’s Republic of China (16+1) and the 5th China-CEE Countries Economic and Trade Forum in Suzhou.

The Summit was opened by the Prime Minister of the People’s Republic of China, Li Keqiang. Aside from a delegation from the Republic of Macedonia, it was also attended by delegations from the Republic of Estonia, Hungary, the Republic of Latvia, the Republic of Lithuania, the Czech Republic, the Republic of

Poland, Romania, the Slovak Republic, the Republic of Slovenia, the Republic of Croatia, the Republic of Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republic of Albania.

Macedonia’s Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski said in his address that the Republic of Macedonia and the People’s Republic of China were tied by traditional friendship, thriving bilateral relations and close cooperation in the implementation of important projects within the framework of the Central European Initiative. He also spoke about the possibilities of future cooperation on projects of great significance to the country and the region.

Prime Minister Gruevski held fringe meetings with most of his counterparts.

Government DeleGation Pays Political anD economic visit to china

On 26 November, during the Macedonian delegation’s visit to Beijing, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic

of Macedonia, Nikola Poposki, met his counterpart from the People’s Republic of China, Wang Yi. Minister Poposki reiterated Macedonia’s firm commitment to the 16+1 process and the country’s interest in taking part in infrastructure projects arising from this process in the future, too. As far as bilateral cooperation is concerned, the two officials tabled the possibility of carrying out projects in energy, railway infrastructure, industry and tourism.

The ministers of foreign affairs said they were satisfied with the bilateral relations Macedonia and China maintained at a multilateral scale and in the field of culture.

fm PoPoski meets chinese counterPart wanG yi in BeijinG


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Macedonia’s Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski paid a working visit to Budapest on 20 November and met his Hungarian

counterpart, Viktor Orbán. The excellent political relations between the two countries in all areas of shared interest were welcomed at the meeting.

The commitment to promoting further economic cooperation, trade and cooperation in the field of investments was also stressed. The two officials said there was room for increasing the scope of

trade and plenty of untapped investment potential. Among the issues the prime ministers of Macedonia and Hungary tabled were also the European integration of the Republic of Macedonia in the light of the recently published progress report of the European Commission, the migrant and refugee crisis and terrorism as the biggest threat the world faces today. In that context, they both condemned the Paris terrorist attacks.

Government DeleGation leD By Pm Gruevski Pays workinG visit to hunGary


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During the working visit that the Macedonian delegation led by Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski

paid to Budapest, Macedonian Foreign Minister Nikola Poposki held a separate meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary, Péter Szijjártó. Opinions and information on the migrant and refugee crisis and the security risks for the Republic of Macedonia, the region and Europe in general were tabled at the meeting. The ministers also discussed the Euro-Atlantic integration of the countries of the region.

fm PoPoski meets hunGarian counterPart szijjártó in BuDaPest

On 4 November, Macedonian Foreign Minister Nikola Poposki paid a working visit to the Council of Europe in Strasbourg

on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of Macedonia’s accession to the oldest European organization.

He met the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Thorbjørn Jagland, at which Macedonia’s commitment to full application of the European Convention on Human Rights and all European standards in terms of human rights, democracy and rule of law was underlined. Mr. Jagland thanked Macedonia for its contribution not only to the application but also to the preparation of new standards and instruments for protection and promotion of human rights on the European continent.

At his meeting with the President of the European Court of Human Rights, Guido Raimondi, Minister Poposki reaffirmed Macedonia’s support for the reform of the Court and its commitment to full implementation of the Court’s decisions.

A reception addressed by Minister Poposki was also hosted to mark the 20th anniversary of Macedonia’s integration into the Council of Europe.

fm PoPoski attenDs ceremony markinG 20 years of maceDonia’s council of euroPe memBershiP

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Gjorge Ivanov, received the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of

Turkey, Yalçın Akdoğan, on 9 November. The two officials said on that occasion they were satisfied with the traditionally friendly relations between the two countries and the continuous political dialogue at all levels. They shared views on the situations in both countries and the migrant crisis in the Region and Europe.

On 8 November, Mr. Akdoğan had a meeting with Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski. This issues discussed on this occasion included the promotion of political and economic cooperation and relations in the fields of education, health, and culture by opening cultural centers in Istanbul and Skopje.

Mr. Akdoğan attended the ceremony of opening the Skopje-based office of Turkey’s Anadolu Agency (AA) that will provide news in both Macedonian and Albanian.

turkish DePuty Prime minister akDoğan visits maceDonia

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Macedonia, Nikola Poposki, paid a working visit to the Republic of Serbia

on 8 November. Aside from meeting his host, Serbia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Deputy Prime Minister, Ivica Dačić, Minister Poposki was also received by Serbia’s Prime Minister Aleksandar Vučić.

Both countries’ commitment to strengthening bilateral relations in all areas of mutual interest, economic cooperation in particular, was reiterated at the meetings. The European integration of the two countries and the support they gave each other on their European path were also discussed. In regard to the ongoing refugee crisis and overwhelming surge of refugees from the Middle and Far East in Macedonia and Serbia, the officials talked about the ways to increase mutual coordination and coordination with the European partners in handling this situation.

maceDonian foreiGn minister Pays visit to serBia


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Macedonia’s Foreign Minister Nikola Poposki participated in the Ministerial Meeting of the Visegrád Group (V4) and

the Western Balkan countries in Prague on 12 and 13 November, which took place under the auspices of the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Aside from the ministers of foreign affairs of the countries of V4, the Western Balkans and Croatia, the Meeting was also attended by the First Vice-President of the European Commission, Frans Timmermans, the British Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Philip Hammond, and the Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council, Goran Svilanović. Central topics at the Meeting were enlargement, migration and regional cooperation. The Visegrád Group’s resolve to continue supporting the Euro-Atlantic integration of the Western Balkans was reaffirmed at the Meeting. The migrant crisis was one of the key issues discussed. The Visegrád Group countries said they were willing to extend concrete aid to the Balkan countries along the migrant route.

The founding documents of the Western Balkans Fund were also signed during the Meeting. On the sidelines of the event,

Minister Poposki held several formal and informal meetings with his counterparts.

Nikola Poposki, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Macedonia, addressed the International Ministerial

Conference “Toward the Paris Climate Conference 2015: Challenges for the CEI Member States” which took place in Skopje on 6 November. More than 150 high-ranking officials who attended the Conference, including nine ministerial delegations from CEI member states, 16 representatives of embassies in the Republic of Macedonia, as well as representatives of several academic institutions, and international and domestic non-governmental organizations shared experience and views on the challenges that the CEI member states face in their effort to reduce CO2 emissions.

At the Conference, which started with Macedonian Environment Minister Nurhan Izairi’s opening remarks, a

declaration was adopted expressing joint commitment to cooperation for the purpose of achieving greener growth in the CEI region.

fm PoPoski attenDs ministerial meetinG of v4 anD western Balkan countries

“towarD Paris climate conference 2015” helD in skoPje


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In Brussels, on 10 November, invited by the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the European Parliament,

Elmar Brok, Macedonian Foreign Minister Nikola Poposki attended the Committee’s session centering on the migrant influx in the Western Balkan countries. At the session, in which members of the national assemblies of the EU member states and high-ranking officials of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia, the Republic of Turkey, UNHCR and the European External Action Service also took part, opinions were shared on the current state of play and the

activities the countries of the Region and the EU were taking to cope with the migrant wave. Minister Poposki presented in his address the activities the Republic of Macedonia was taking to address the migrant crisis and all the related concerns. On the sidelines of the session, he met with Members of the European Parliament, including with MEP Alojz Peterle, Chairman of the EU-Macedonia Joint Parliamentary Committee.

fm PoPoski attenDs session of eP foreiGn affairs committee

On 6 November, Macedonian Foreign Minister Nikola Poposki received the Members of the European Parliament, Igor

Šoltes and Rebecca Harms, Mr. Šoltes being a member and Ms. Harms a co-chair of the Greens/EFA Group in the European Parliament. The two MEPs also visited the countries of the region to become more closely familiar with the migrant crisis and the process of European integration. Minister Poposki thanked the Greens/EFA Group for its support and constructive approach to the process of Macedonia’s European integration, while Mr. Šoltes and Ms. Harms said their support in unblocking and promoting Macedonia’s EU integration would continue.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Macedonia, Nikola Poposki, received the special envoy of the German

Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Southeast Europe, Turkey and EFTA countries, Ernst Reichel, on 12 November. The challenges and perspectives of Macedonia’s European integration in the light of the recently published report of the European Commission on the progress Macedonia had made in its accession process were tabled at the meeting.

fm PoPoski meets mePs Šoltes anD harms

fm PoPoski meets ernst reichel


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On 5 November, Foreign Minister Nikola Poposki received a delegation of the Group of the Progressive Alliance of

Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament led by Chair Gianni Pittella from Italy and Vice-Chair Knut Fleckenstein from Germany. Opinions were shared at the meeting on the current political situation in the Republic of Macedonia, the country’s European perspective and the challenges it faced in dealing with the migrant crisis.

fm PoPoski meets DeleGation of eP socialists anD Democrats GrouP

On 23 November, Nikola Poposki, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Macedonia, held his regular

meeting with the ambassadors of the European Union member states and the EU Delegation. This was their first meeting following the publication of the European Commission’s reports on the progress the candidate member states, including the Republic of Macedonia, had made.

Minister Poposki stressed that the Government of the Republic of Macedonia had already taken steps by defining short-term priorities in the process of EU integration. The preparations for the elections and the report to be published afterward were also discussed.

Views were also shared on the migrant crisis in Europe and the Republic of Macedonia in particular as a country along the Western Balkan route.

fm PoPoski holDs monthly meetinG with eu amBassaDors in maceDonia

At the invitation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier,

and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Italian Republic, Paolo Gentiloni, Macedonia’s Foreign Minister Nikola Poposki took part in the seventh Aspen Institute Southeast Europe Foreign Ministers’ Conference in Berlin on 24 November. The Conference focused on the process of EU enlargement, regional cooperation, economic development, and particularly Europe’s most pressing concerns at the moment—security and the migrant crisis.

Minister Poposki stressed that the process of joining the EU was the best response to the key challenges of the Balkan countries and that the European perspective was crucial in stabilizing the Balkans and ensuring its prosperity in the long run. In regard to the migrant crisis, he underscored the measures that the Republic of Macedonia was carrying out: separating migrants from refugees,

and directing and registering refugees with the aim of giving them humane treatment.

In Brussels on 1 December, Macedonian Foreign Minister Nikola Poposki participated in the Meeting of the North

Atlantic Council (NAC) at the level of Foreign Ministers of the NATO member states and the countries contributing to the Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan. Support was extended at the meeting for continuation of the NATO mission in Afghanistan in 2016, too, for the purpose of training, advising and supporting the Afghan security forces. Concurrently, emphasis was put on the need for ensuring financial sustainability of the security structures and supporting the institutional reforms and the long-term partnership process in accordance with the conclusions of the NATO summit in Lisbon in 2010.

It was confirmed at the meeting that Macedonia’s contribution would remain at the same level next year, too. The Republic of Macedonia has contributed more than 3,000 military personnel to the missions in Afghanistan since 2002.

On the sidelines of the meeting, Minister Poposki held bilateral meetings with several participants, including with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey, Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu.

fm PoPoski attenDs 7th asPen institute ministerial conference in Berlin

fm PoPoski attenDs ministerial meetinG of nac in Brussels

Foreign Minister Nikola Poposki met with Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the EU for Foreign

Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, in Brussels on 27 November. Macedonia’s prospects of joining the EU in view of the recently published EC report were discussed at the meeting. Minister Poposki welcomed the reiterated recommendation for opening

accession negotiations reaffirming the commitment of the Government of the Republic of Macedonia to fulfilling the remaining responsibilities of the political agreement and to implementing the reform priorities in the key areas. The latest developments in the realm of the Union’s foreign and security policy, including the migrant and refugee crisis, were also tabled.

fm PoPoski Pays workinG visit to Brussels


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Under the auspices of Macedonian President Gjorge Ivanov, within the framework of Macedonia’s Presidency of the

Central European Initiative (CEI), the first CEI Diplomatic Forum on “Macro and Micro Development Strategies: Strengthening the Diplomatic Capacities of the CEI Region” was opened in Skopje on 11 November.

Over 50 young diplomats of the CEI member states took part in the 3-day forum. Lectures were held by experts and university professors of economy, econometrics, politics and diplomacy from the Republic of Macedonia and abroad.

Under the auspices of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Macedonia and the Republic of Poland, the

6th forum of Polish-Macedonian cooperation in the process of European integration, also known as the Skopje Conference, took place in Warsaw on 4 and 5 November. The conference, attended by Polish and Macedonian officials, focused on Poland’s

experience of the accession process, especially during the negotiations over the separate European acquis chapters.

A workshop on Poland’s public diplomacy experience and consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Macedonia and Poland on bilateral and European matters were also held.

first cei DiPlomatic forum helD

maceDonia anD PolanD holD 6th skoPje conference

Macedonia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Dragana Kiprijanovska received the Director General for Cultural Diplomacy at the

Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, László Vizi, on 11 November. The excellent bilateral relations, the dynamic political dialogue and the cooperation in a number of areas were underlined at the meeting, as special attention was paid to the cooperation in the fields of culture and education. The ongoing migrant crisis was also discussed.

DePuty fm kiPrijanovska meets hunGary's Director General for cultural DiPlomacy vizi


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Your Excellency, bilateral relations between the Republic of Macedonia and Bosnia and Herzegovina were established

22 years ago. Bilateral cooperation is successful and without any outstanding issues. As a new Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the Republic of Macedonia, what are the priority areas of mutual interest and how can bilateral cooperation further intensify?

I would like to express my determination to contribute, together with my Mission in the Republic of Macedonia, to the further development of long-term friendly relations between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republic of Macedonia. Our two countries have lasting historical ties, not only because we have repeatedly shared the same destiny in the previous state unions, but also because of our common commitment to the EU accession path. I believe that it is of particular importance for Bosnia and Herzegovina to develop comprehensive and mutually beneficial cooperation with the Republic of Macedonia and to keep improving it in line with European standards.

Bilateral relations between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republic of Macedonia are very good and friendly, with no outstanding issues. Both countries are interested in improving bilateral relations and economic cooperation. I must point out that, although there are several signed agreements between

Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republic of Macedonia, the existing possibilities for economic and trade cooperation are not entirely used. And that is why it is necessary to organize visits of business delegations and to hold various business forums between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republic of Macedonia which would contribute significantly to promoting and intensifying economic cooperation and joint participation of companies in export projects.

We should also intensify cooperation in the field of scientific research between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republic of Macedonia. Departments within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in addition to bilateral cooperation, should be the link for cooperation with research institutions and universities.

Promotion of cooperation in the field of culture is very important because it contributes to better mutual understanding and rapprochement, and the strengthening of friendly relations between the citizens of our two countries.

Within the framework of regional organizations, initiatives and processes it is important to continue cooperation in the field of infrastructure and energy. In the spirit of current events, it is important to point out the good cooperation in the field of defense and security structures of the Republic of Macedonia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. These objectives will be achieved by intensifying the dynamics of the meetings and high-level visits.

On 23 September, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Igor Crnadak, paid an official visit to

the Republic of Macedonia. Economic relations between our two countries lag behind political relations. Our countries are therefore committed to improving economic cooperation. In your opinion, what spheres of economic cooperation should be paid greater attention?

PossiBilities for economic anD traDe cooPeration are not fully useD

H.e. Mrs. lepa BABić, Ambassador extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the Republic of Macedonia

INTERVIEW

it is of utter importance for our two counties, as well as for other enlargement countries, to continue exchanging experiences and practices in order to strengthen our capacities.


mACeDonIA In foCuS

During the visit of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Igor Crnadak, to the Republic of Macedonia, a Joint Statement of the foreign ministers of Macedonia and Bosnia and Herzegovina was signed. The Joint Statement includes one point that deals in particular with the necessity of improvement of economic relations and economic cooperation through the creation of a favorable business climate, encouragement of mutual investment, organization of business forums, and promotion of cooperation in the field of tourism.

Furthermore, it was agreed to organize a major Business Forum in mid-next year. In Bosnia and Herzegovina there are great investment opportunities in agriculture, the energy sector, metal and wood processing industries, infrastructure projects, textile and leather industries, as well as tourism.

Do you believe our countries should pay special attention to signing more agreements in the period ahead?

The Republic of Macedonia and Bosnia and Herzegovina have a number of agreements that have been initiated and ratified. There are various other agreements that have been signed but are not subjected to ratification because Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republic of Macedonia are members of a number of multilateral conventions which regulate the field of mutual legal assistance.

There are a number of agreements which are agreed upon and should be signed and those which are initiated or are in an initial phase of preparation, such as the Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Tourism, the Cooperation Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Macedonia and the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Context of the EU Accession Process, the Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Macedonia on Strengthening Cooperation in the Field of Internal Control, and the Memorandum of Understanding in the Field of Agriculture and Rural Development between the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Ministry of Agriculture Forestry and Water Management of the Republic of Macedonia. In Bosnia and Herzegovina there is also interest in concluding an Agreement on Scientific and Technical Cooperation, and a Memorandum of Understanding in the Field of Sport and Youth Policy. An Agreement on Collocation of the Property of the Diplomatic and Consular Representation of former Yugoslavia between two countries should be soon ready for signing.

The Republic of Macedonia and Bosnia and Herzegovina are on their path towards Euro-Atlantic integration. How do you

assess the need for further exchange of experiences and practices between the relevant institutions of the two countries with the aim of strengthening their capacities?

Allow me to clarify one point regarding the Euro-Atlantic integration of Bosnia and Herzegovina. While in your country there is a full commitment to and internal consensus on both NATO and EU membership, in Bosnia and Herzegovina that

is not the case. We lack internal consensus on full NATO membership. Bosnia and Herzegovina joined the Partnership for Peace in 2006, and has been invited by NATO to join the Membership Action Plan. So, the main and consensual objective of Bosnia and Herzegovina is to get the MAP. In order to join the MAP, the issue of the immovable defense property needs to be resolved—a difficult task that takes and will take a lot of time to be resolved entirely.

On the other hand, full EU membership is one of the main priorities of the foreign policy of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The enlargement process in general is getting more and more difficult and complex. Lessons learnt from the past enlargements have made the accession process highly challenging and demanding. Simultaneously, there is an enlargement fatigue, especially among some EU member states, but also a reform fatigue among candidate countries and potential candidate countries. The President of the European Commission said in his inaugural speech that there would be no enlargement until 2020. Therefore, all countries in the accession process need to maintain their enlargement commitment and determination, and to keep on doing reforms, strengthening institutional capacities, adjusting their legal framework in accordance with Acquis Communautaire and fulfilling demands regardless of the fact that the full membership perspective is quite far away. In that sense, it is of utter importance for our two counties, as well as for other enlargement countries, to continue exchanging experiences and practices in order to strengthen our capacities, but also to keep on improving regional cooperation.

Your Excellency, what is your assessment of the latest European Commission Report on Bosnia and Herzegovina,

especially the conclusion that Bosnia and Herzegovina is back on the reform track and has started to address the outstanding priorities on its EU accession path? The Reform Agenda, adopted in July this year, was made in order to put Bosnia and Herzegovina back on the reform track and the EU path. Bosnia and Herzegovina, still a potential candidate country for EU membership, has not presented its application for EU membership yet. This step is expected to be made by the end of this year and the country will hopefully be granted the status of a candidate country by the end of 2016 or the beginning of 2017. But in order to achieve that, many difficult reforms need to be made, including the ones that imply constitutional changes. The European Court of Human Rights ruled in 2009 that Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Sejdic-Finci case violated the European Convention on Human Rights. The obligation of Bosnia and Herzegovina is to guarantee the right to be elected to the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the House of Peoples of the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina to all citizens, regardless of their ethnicity. And in order to implement the ECoHR ruling, constitutional changes will be needed, as well as changes to the Election Law. A highly challenging task that requires a will to compromise from all the parties involved. The accession process is demanding and long-term oriented but it is worthwhile if pursuing this goal of joining the EU family will contribute to creating a stable, secure and prosperous society.


mACeDonIA In foCuS

The International Centre for Migration Policy Development is an organization with 15 member states including the Republic

of Macedonia. Can you tell us more about your activities?

ICMPD's working philosophy is based upon the conviction that the complexities of migration challenges can only be met by working in partnership with governments, research institutes, international organisations, intergovernmental institutions and civil society. As an international organisation with strong European roots, ICMPD’s activities focus particularly on developments in Europe and the European Union (EU), as well as in Africa, Central Asia, the Middle East and Latin America. The work of ICMPD is based on a three-pillar approach: Research - migration dialogues - capacity building.

ICMPD was founded in 1993 and at first served to support informal consultations and provide expertise in multilateral cooperation on migration and asylum issues. The principles of partnership and balancing of interests are the foundation of the organisation.

The Republic of Macedonia became the 15th Member State of ICMPD on May 2nd, 2012. However, the ‘Agreement

on the Status of ICMPD in Macedonia and on Cooperation in the Migration Field’ was signed in July 1999. Since then ICMPD has maintained a strong and lasting relationship with Macedonia through numerous projects implemented together, in particular in the fight against trafficking in human beings and in other areas like asylum, border management and visa regulation, which have contributed to building capacities of national institutions in managing migration. ICMPD has particularly supported the Macedonian Government in the development of National Strategies and National Action Plans for migration and combating trafficking in human beings, in establishing transnational referral mechanisms (TRM) for trafficked persons as well as in carrying out in-depth research on important matters such as smuggling of migrants and identification and referral of trafficked persons.

From the point of view of international cooperation, ICMPD is a mechanism that observes current developments in the area

of migration and asylum. Does ICMPD have a concrete plan in regard to refugee crises, especially the ongoing one with refugees from the Middle East?

imPortant in resPonDinG to miGration challenGes is to unDerstanD miGration itself

Ms. Melita GRuevskA GRAHAM, iCMPD Representative in MacedoniaINTERVIEW

There is no single country that can adequately and effectively manage migration alone. Cooperation among countries is crucial. Such cooperation needs to build upon clearly formulated longer term objectives, taking into account demographic developments, labour market needs, and the potential positive impact of increased mobility for EU and partner states.


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ICMPD believes that in order to effectively respond to the associated challenges of these mixed migration flows, separate approaches will have to be devised. More specifically, responses will need to go well beyond short-term humanitarian and logistical support. It is crucial to engage in a collective vision towards better managing migration and mobility and together promote rights and responsibility. The conflict and violence in Syria since 2011 has caused massive loss of life and human suffering, as well as a complex displacement crisis. Uncertainty prevails as to when the war in Syria will end and when internally displaced people will be able to return to their homes. There are also questions as to whether Syrian refugees abroad will be able to return to their country of origin, and for how long the hosting states will be able to meet the refugees’ needs in terms of providing access to basic services of accommodation, healthcare, education and provide opportunities for income generation in the future. At the same time, countries along the route are confronted with large numbers of migrants who are not technically entitled to international protection.

There is no single country that can adequately and effectively manage migration alone. Cooperation among countries is crucial. Such cooperation needs to build upon clearly formulated longer term objectives, taking into account demographic developments, labour market needs, and the potential positive impact of increased mobility for EU and partner states. At the same time, both security concerns and social stability questions need to be taken into account. In this regard, countries need to improve their cooperation in addressing the criminal network profiting from the smuggling of migrants and the exploitation of their vulnerability.

ICMPD has regional centres and representatives around the world. How do these offices operate and how do you assess

your cooperation with the member states and other international organisations?

Besides its headquarters in Vienna and a mission in Brussels, ICMPD has 7 field offices and a total of 150 staff. The Brussels Mission coordinates contacts and liaises with the European Commission, the European Parliament, the Council Secretariat, Member States' representations and other bodies in Brussels relevant for ICMPD's work. Besides, ICMPD has so-called Country Representatives - designated individuals who liaise with national governments and, if and when applicable, provide support to projects taking place in the country. Currently, there are six such ICMPD Representatives and I am the one for the Republic of Macedonia. The growth in operational volume in recent years has led to a relocation of certain projects to the areas of operation in the field. Certain projects are managed from our seven offices in Southeast Europe, Northern Africa, the Middle East, West Africa and South America.

As mentioned above, our cooperation with the member states and other international organisations is clearly reflected in the ICMPD’s working philosophy that is based on the conviction that the complexities of migration challenges can only be met by working in partnership with governments, research institutes, international organisations, inter-governmental institutions and civil society. Over the years, ICMPD has carried out a number of activities in migration-related fields with about 100 partners in about 90 countries all over the world.

Ms. Gruevska Graham, since the beginning of the Syrian crisis, the Republic of Macedonia has been faced with an

enormous number of refugees that use our territory as a transit country. What is your opinion on this?

There is no single solution or simple response to this complex migration and refugee crisis that not only Macedonia but many other countries along the migration routes are facing. The capacities of the countries involved are clearly overwhelmed. Simply, the current systems are not ready to handle such crises. We witnessed that short term solutions and settlements such as allowing migrants to legitimately transit the country seem adequate to tackle emergency situations, but such actions are not sufficient in the long term. Instead, there is a need to combine a strategy of a number of short term interventions as part of a longer term vision. It is important to consider a shift from focusing solely on humanitarian and logistical support towards focusing on long lasting migration solutions through evidence based migration and asylum policies. Only in this way can we prevent finding ourselves yet again in the ‘surprised’ state we are currently operating under. It is very unlikely that the Syrian war will end any time soon. While around 7.6 million people are internally displaced in Syria, Turkey hosts around 1.9 million registered Syrian refugees, Lebanon over 1.1 million, Jordan is currently hosting around 630,000 people, and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KR-I), an autonomous region in the federal state, is a host to around 250,000 Syrian refugees. None of these countries apply the Convention definition of a refugee to those fleeing the war in Syria. We know that a great number of Syrians are going to continue leaving Syria and the neighbouring countries because there is no future for them or their children where they currently reside.

Long lasting migration crises are dynamic in nature - constantly changing their route and method. This demands a strategy of predictive analyses of possible flows, reactions which are equally dynamic and continual study of the impact of measures taken. The timely exchange of information among states is an essential factor in gaining success.

A driving principle is that the most important step in responding to migration challenges is to first understand migration itself.

MDB would like to thank H.E. Mr. Timo RAjAkAngAs,

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Finland, resident in Zagreb, for his completed diplomatic mission in the Republic of Macedonia.


mACeDonIA In foCuS

Being an ambassador to a neighboring country in general is both a great

privilege and a responsibility. Being a Macedonian ambassador to Greece arguably takes this statement even further. My first year as Macedonia’s top envoy in Greece passes amid domestic political and economical turbulences of historical proportions, further burdening the already specific position of being

a Macedonian diplomat in Greece, a position defined by the now twenty-year-old Interim Accord determining the bilateral relations between our two countries. Despite the general delicate situation in Greece these days and the legacy of the tumultuous bilateral relations in light of the name issue, I nevertheless encountered a professional and cordial welcome by my Greek counterparts in the government and specifically the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Gradually, as the frequency of meetings increased, so did their quality and we are now talking more about concrete ideas for enhancing the stalled cooperation between our two countries. Ever since my very first meetings in Greece, I have been repeatedly relaying the interest and concrete list of proposals of the Republic of Macedonia for finally going beyond the name issue as an obstacle for defining and facilitating our bilateral cooperation in all areas. At my meetings I have been revisiting the list of more than a dozen elaborate Macedonian proposals for an enhanced practical cooperation and this was the main point of my several public presentations and lectures at leading

Greek think-tanks. We are excited to see that our Greek counterparts have now taken this initiative with a similar zest and a new opening in our relations is at hand, something which was confirmed at the several meetings between the two ministers of foreign affairs and the recent working visit of Minister Kotzias to Skopje, the first by a Greek foreign minister in eleven years. Following their last meeting, Ministers Poposki and Kotzias presented the agreed, initially eleven, so-called confidence building measures by which the practical cooperation will be defined and intensified in the forthcoming period, along with a continuity of frequent political consultations between the two foreign ministries, gradually also involving representatives of other relevant ministries. Repeating my opening sentence, I will conclude in the same light: it is both an immense privilege and a responsibility to be part of something which we hope will lead to a breakthrough in Greek – Macedonian relations, for the sake of both countries, the region and beyond.

new BeGinninG in our relations is at hanD

H.E. Mr. Darko AngElov, Head of the liaison office of the Republic of Macedonia in Athens

TwenTy years of diplomaTic relaTions

The 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our states is in itself an important

milestone. It becomes even more significant when it applies to two neighboring countries, which share a common border. And it gives rise to a sense of bafflement among casual observers, when, after a twenty-year period, these relations are not full yet and are still governed by an agreement which was meant to be of a temporary nature.

What we celebrate this year is the twentieth anniversary of the signing of the Interim Accord (New York, 13 September 1995). Though by definition a provisional arrangement, it is still valid by mutual consent and it still serves as the cornerstone of our bilateral relationship. It has allowed for a significant degree of

founDations for stronGer link are alreaDy there

H.E. Mr. Haris lAlACoS, Head of the liaison office of the Hellenic Republic in Skopje

TwenTy years of diplomaTic relaTions


mACeDonIA In foCuSmACeDonIA In foCuS

normalcy in official contacts, it opened the way for a substantial increase of cooperation in certain areas - notably trade, investment, travel - and, at the same time, it serves as a reminder that more unfinished work lies ahead.

While I am mindful of the complexity of the overall bilateral relationship, it is my conviction that there is ample room for considerable improvement in our relations in a number of areas, while we are seeking a mutually acceptable solution to the name issue. It is my firm belief that the solution to the name issue is the key to attaining the full potential of our mutual goals, interests and complementarities.

Good neighborly relations are essential to promote peace, stability and prosperity in our region. In this context, the process of confidence building measures, upon which we have jointly embarked, will enable us to markedly improve cooperation in various areas, to achieve concrete results which have a value of their own, as well as to create a climate which will be conducive to tackling the one big pending issue on the basis of a mutually acceptable compromise.

One final word: Human contacts are the essence of trans-border relations. In our case, the numbers of our nationals visiting each other’s country is the most

solid proof that the foundations for a stronger link are already there. Despite occasional discrepancies, the constant increase in two-way travel is a recurrent vote of confidence by our citizens for their neighboring country and its people. With this in mind, one can only be hopeful for the future.

"This written contribution to the Bulletin by no means implies acceptance or recognition by greece, in whatever form or content, of a name other than as referred to in the Security Council Resolutions 817 and 845 of 1993 and the interim Accord of 1995."

exPerience is key to success in DiPlomacy

“I believe that as a young diplomat I had the rare opportunity of gaining valuable experience over a brief period of time by working with three different political directorates responsible for the bilateral relations of the Republic of Macedonia with all the countries in the world: the Directorate for Bilateral Relations with European Countries, the Directorate for Bilateral Relations with non-European Countries and the Directorate for Bilateral Relations with the Southeast European Countries and

Regional Initiatives. This beginning of my professional career helped me become knowledgeable about the countries of various regions of the world and their relations and cooperation with the Republic of Macedonia.

What I am particularly proud of is the trust that I was given when I was made part of the team working on Macedonia’s Chairmanship of the South-East European Cooperation Process in 2012-2013 and this year’s CEI Presidency. Working on the chairmanship of regional initiatives is both a challenge and a privilege because of the extraordinary opportunity of acquiring priceless diplomatic experience taking into consideration the tight schedule of obligations living up to which requires responsibility, flexibility and an organized approach. The ongoing Presidency of CEI is particularly

important to the Republic of Macedonia because of CEI’s mission—regional cooperation for the purpose of achieving European integration, which is also one of my country’s strategic goals. That original approach to my work allowed me to learn a great deal about the way international organizations work, which I trust will help me a lot build a successful career.

In my opinion, a key to success in a diplomat’s career is experience. Bearing this in mind, I keep trying to further expand the work experience I have so far gained with knowledge in diverse areas of the diplomatic activity. I consider this to be the best way for me to grow into a professional diplomat that will represent the Republic of Macedonia with dignity and will defend its interests in the world and in international organizations.”

Ana DEREBAn BlAžEskA

Ana Dereban Blažeska is a young diplomat that has worked with utmost dedication on Macedonia’s Presidency of the Central European initiative (CEi) in 2015. Upon earning her Master’s degree from the Department of international Relations at the Faculty of international Economic and Politics in Sofia, Bulgaria, she joined the United nations volunteers as a translator. in parallel, she interned with the political section of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the netherlands in Skopje as part of the program targeting young people with an ambition of building a career in an international environment. This varied international experience contributed to a great extent to the successful start of her diplomatic career with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Macedonia.

Macedonian Young diploMats


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eXPerIenCe mACeDonIA

18

skoPje olD Bazaar

The Skopje Old Bazaar (its Macedonian name—Stara skopska čaršija—deriving

from the Turkish Eski çarşı, meaning crossroads) is a blend of the Byzantine and Ottoman eras and today’s modernism and is one of Macedonia’s largest old bazaars. It stretches from the Stone Bridge, Bit Pazar and the Kale to the river Serava.

Narrow cobblestone alleys, small shops, tea houses, restaurants, museums, churches, mosques and hammams (baths) are all to be found in one place, on the left bank of the Vardar. Despite undergoing some reconstruction, the Bazaar still lives in the spirit of tradition, hiding stories of bygone times that have left marks at almost every corner. With its exceptional beauty and combination of cultures and traditions easily recognizable in its complex of buildings, the Bazaar is a synonym of distinction and originality in the Balkans and beyond.

The first written records in which the existence of a trade center at the location of today’s Bazaar is mentioned date back to the 12th century. During the Ottoman rule, the place was rapidly transformed into Skopje’s busiest quarter with over 30 mosques, numerous palaces and inns and other Turkish landmarks. The Bazaar was severely damaged in the earthquakes of 1555 and 1963, the fire of 1689 and the two World Wars, and was reconstructed several times. However, despite the sustained damage, it is still the only monument of culture in Macedonia boasting simultaneously the legacy of several cultures and civilizations that participated in its creation.

By the 17th century Skopje developed into a significant commercial hub in the European part of the Ottoman Empire and became a magnet to merchants and travel writers who described in their journals the look of its bazaar and the way business thrived there. One of them was the renowned Ottoman travel writer, Evliya Çelebi, who visited Skopje twice between 1660 and 1668. During his first visit (1660-1661) he wrote:

it has 2,150 shops. There are squares and markets with arches and domes. The most beautiful of all are the markets of the cotton fabric makers, umbrella makers, slipper makers, dyers and weavers. Those are large markets whose construction was well planned. The streets are clean and covered in cobblestone. every shop is adorned with hyacinths, violets, roses, basils, lilacs and lilies in vases and flowerpots. Their fragrance captivates customers and merchants. The people are educated and very honorable. During the hot summer spells, the entire bazaar resembles the Baghdad shadows because all its markets have sloping shutters and arches like those in sarajevo and Halep.

The English doctor and travel writer Edward Brown, who visited Skopje in 1669, was amazed by the Bazaar’s covered market (Bezisten) with its lead roof. He wrote that it was surrounded by streets paved with boards and lined with various craft shops and that diverse products were exported from Skopje at the time, including wool, wax, tobacco, fabric, silk, silver items and various other decorations.

The reforms of the first half of the 19th century led to better economic conditions for the Bazaar’s growth. Macedonians professing Christianity from the nearby villages started moving




19


to the city which drove up the number of Macedonian artisans and merchants, who also played the main role in the restoration of the churches in and around the Bazaar, after Sultan Mehmed II allowed Christians to build churches on the territory of the Empire. For example, the Church of St. Dimitrija was renovated several times in the 19th century, the last time in 1896, before it assumed its present-day look. The local Jews, on the other hand, renovated the Beth Yaakov Synagogue.

Many buildings were in the style of the authentic Macedonian architecture yet there were also elements of eclecticism and the Baroque. Serbian politician and historian Stojan Novaković described the Bazaar as “a network of narrow and meandering alleys full of merchant and craft shops. The streets are paved with boards and the shops are covered with shutters. The bazaar is long with a number of paved streets lying across.”

In his travelogue of 1896, Victor Rerar wrote:The large Asian markets like those in Bursa, Halep and Damascus

pale in comparison with the skopje bazaar. The buildings of the Museum of Macedonia and the Museum of

Contemporary Art exemplify the Bazaar’s modernist architecture, while the way the Bazaar developed over the centuries and its significance are showcased through the exhibits at the Old Bazaar Museum at Suli An.

With the Skopje Old Bazaar Act that passed Macedonia’s Parliament in 2008, the Bazaar was declared a cultural heritage site under lasting protection of the state and 2010 saw the beginning of the implementation of the 5-year revitalization program. As a tourist attraction, the Bazaar abounds in buildings

of remarkable historical importance including Daut Pashin Amam, which is an art gallery today, Kapan An, used in the past by traveling merchants for spending the night in, Čifte Amam, which together with the Murat Pasha Mosque and Suli An, constitutes the “Islam Three”, Bezisten, the commercial hub of the past from where the development of the Bazaar commenced, the unique Kurshumli An or otherwise known as the An of Musledin Hoja, the once largest caravanserai which still captivates visitors with its splendor, the Churches of the Holy Savior and St. Dimitrija, and the Mustafa Pasha, Haji Balaban, Ishak Bey and Sultan Murat Mosques.

The Bazaar with the kale in the background, 1920s.

An engraving of skopje made by Dutch artist Jakobus Haverin in 1594, shown in Nurnberg.

sultan Murat Mosque in 1919.

kurshumli An


DIPLomACy AnD CommunITy

With the premiere of the film Three Days in September directed by Darjan Pejovski, the 14th edition of the Festival

of European Film, Cinedays, opened at the Millennium Cinema in Skopje on 12 November.

Over a hundred films divided into several programs—official selection, CineBalkan, Gala Premieres, Music Dox, Country in Focus, Homage to Pasolini, Short Films, and Migrations—were

screened and numerous workshops, concerts and panel discussions were held within the framework of the festival that closed on 21 November.

The musical part of the festival featured the British Tech House DJ Terry Francis, the legendary hip hop artist DJ Premier, and the dystopian art-punk band Suuns and Jerusalem in My Heart from Montreal. Workshops on various aspects of cinema were also held.

over HunDreD fILmS SHoWn AT 14TH CIneDAyS In SkoPje

nATIonAL DAy of ALbAnIA mArkeD

On the occasion of the National Day, the Embassy of the Republic of Albania hosted a reception at Aleksandar Palace Hotel in

Skopje on 26 November 2015. Once the national anthems of Macedonia and Albania were played,

the Ambassador of Albania to Macedonia, Fatos Reka, welcomed the numerous guests attending this event.

The reception was honored by the presence of the President of the Republic of Macedonia, H.E. Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, Deputy Prime Minister Fatmir Besimi, Minister of Agriculture Mihail Cvetkov, Minister of Internal Affairs Oliver Spasovski, Minister of Justice Adnan Jashari, Minister of Education and Science Abdilaqim Ademi, Minister of Local Self-Government Lirim Shabani, Minister of Environment Nurhan Izairi, Minister of Economy Bekim Neziri, etc.

Among the guests were also Members of the Macedonian Parliament, senior government officials, and representatives of the Foreign Ministry, Diplomatic Corps, political parties, business community, art and culture, media, civil society, as well as friends and compatriots.

Simon Trpčeski brings all his charisma to an evening-long portrait of Frederic Chopin.” With these words, London

media announced the extraordinary first evening-long recital of Macedonia’s world-class piano virtuoso, Simon Trpčeski, held at London’s Barbican Centre on 25 November. After London, Trpčeski is to perform as a soloist with the Philadelphia Orchestra under the baton of renowned conductor Gianandrea Noseda.

SImon TrPčeSkI SHIneS on STAge AT bArbICAn

From 5 to 8 November, at Carrousel du Louvre in Paris, the International Cultural Heritage Fair was held. The Republic of

Macedonia presented itself at this important fair, bringing together professionals protecting the tangible and intangible cultural heritage from around the world, for the first time. The Macedonian stand, organized by the Cultural Heritage Protection Office, displayed numerous publications, videos and other types of promotional material on Macedonia’s rich culture, as well as the latest ten publications on the cultural heritage of the Republic of Macedonia that were only recently promoted to the Macedonian public. During her working visit to the French Republic, Culture Minister Elizabeta Kančeska-Milevska paid a visit to the Macedonian stand, too.

mACeDonIA AT InTernATIonAL CuLTurAL HerITAge fAIr In PArIS

diplomatic bulletin nov. 2015

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