Ivanov to address the UN General Assembly tomorrow

President Gjorge Ivanov is scheduled to address the 73rd United Nations General Assembly in New York, on September 27. The theme this year is Making the United Nations relevant to all people: global leadership and shared responsibilities for peaceful, equitable and sustainable societies.

Ivanov attended Tuesday the opening of the annual high level general debate and held bilateral talks with King Abdullah-II of Jordan, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism, Vladimir Voronkov and Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States of the Vatican Secretariat of State, Ivanov’s Cabinet said in a press release.

Ivanov and King Abdullah-II of Jordan exchanged views on bilateral relations and mutually agreed that the two countries nurture friendly and partnership relations, with no open issues. Ivanov said that Macedonia has interest in promoting bilateral contacts including high-level talks to intensify economic cooperation and expand the scope of trade exchange, whereat they jointly concluded that this requires institutional support from both countries.

The role of Macedonia in the fight against international terrorism and direct threats from terrorist networks was discussed at the meeting between Ivanov and Voronkov. Ivanov underlined that Macedonia has interest in the participation of civilian and military personnel in UN bodies that create policies to deal with global threats. Voronkov thanked Macedonia for its comprehensive strategy to combat terrorism and violent extremism, underlining that in the coming period he will suggest an adequate package for institutional strengthening of the Balkan states and participation in projects for greater security.

Ivanov and Archbishop Gallagher discussed bilateral relations between Macedonia and the Holy See welcomed the fact that, although the Catholic community in Macedonia is small, it is still highly respected. Ivanov voiced the hope that Pope Francis will accept the invitation to visit Macedonia, which would be important for the promotion of bilateral relations.