MACEDONIAN DIPLOMATIC BULLETIN No. 62 - missions.gov.mk

Special Supplement: STONE DOLLS IN KUKLICA VILLAGE 

Interview: MACEDONIA A VALUED FRIEND AND PARTNER OF USA 

Prime Minister Gruevski took part in the International Economic Forum in Saint Petersburg 

and had a meeting with Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation. 

No. 62 / 2012

Continuing the tradition established half a century ago, which is 

confirmation of the infinite gratitude of the people of Macedonia 

for what Ss Cyril and Methodius, the Slav educators did, this year, 

too, the event “Macedonia Honoring St Cyril” took place in Rome 

on 24 May for the 44th time. 

The government delegation of the Republic of Macedonia, led 

by Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski, which visited Rome on this 

occasion, was received by Pope Benedict XVI. At the audience 

in Vatican, apart from Prime Minister Gruevski, the delegation 

also included Deputy Prime Minister Vladimir Pesevski, Foreign 

Minister Nikola Poposki, Culture Minister Elizabeta Kanceska- 

Milevska, Government Spokesperson Martin Martinoski, Visar 

Vida, Director of the Agency for Foreign Investments and Export 

Promotion, Valentina Bozinovska, Director of the Commission 

for Relations with Religious Communities and Religious Groups, 

and Gjoko Gjorgjevski, Ambassador of the Republic of Macedonia 

to the Holy See. The church officials in the delegation included 

Metropolitan Timotej of Debar and Kicevo, Metropolitan Pimen 

of Europe, Priest Nikola Hristoski of the Macedonian Orthodox 

Church, as well as Kiro Stojanov, Bishop of Skopje and Apostolic 

Exarch of the Catholic Church of Macedonia. 

After the audience with Pope Benedict XVI, Prime Minister 

Gruevski with some members of the delegation met Cardinal Tarcisio 

Bertone, Cardinal Secretary of State of the Holy See, accompanied 

by Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, Secretary for Relations 

with States of the Holy See. A day earlier, Foreign Minister Nikola 

2 

PRESIDENT IVANOV ATTENDS CRANS 

MONTANA FORUM IN AZERBAIJAN 

Gjorge Ivanov, President 

of t he Republic of 

Macedonia, attended the 

23rd Annual Session of the 

Crans Montana Forum in 

Baku, Azerbaijan, on 28- 

30 June, focusing on the 

prospects of public and 

private energy potential 

management and the 

creation of new sustainable energy policies in regard to energy 

production, distribution and safety. 

In his address at the official opening of the Forum, President 

Ivanov stressed that Macedonia’s goal was to be finally put on the 

international map of energy transport corridors. 

“In this way, a possibility will open up for our companies and 

households to use cheap energy resources and for our production 

to become less costly. This represents a tangible contribution to 

energy stability and economic stability in general, as well as in the 

security of our country and region,” he said. 

During his visit to Baku, President Ivanov met Ilham Aliyev, 

President of Azerbaijan. The two presidents expressed satisfaction 

with the bilateral relations and commitment to further promotion 

of relations and economic cooperation. 

President Ivanov’s wife, Maja Ivanova, delivered a speech at a 

special session within the Forum’s framework, entitled “Women’s 

Rights are Human Rights and Human Rights are Women’s Rights” 

dedicated to human rights, gender equality and education. 

MACEDONIAN DIPLOMATIC BULLETIN No. 62 – 2012 

EDITORIAL 

MACEDONIAN DELEGATION VISITS ROME TO HONOR ST CYRIL 

DIPLOMATIC NEWS 

Poposki had a separate meeting with his counterpart, Archbishop 

Dominique Mamberti. During their friendly conversation, they 

both said they were pleased with the bilateral relations, stressing 

the strong connection between Macedonia and the Holy See 

embodied in St Cyril and Mother Teresa. 

Immediately after the audiences in Vatican, a service was 

held at the grave of St Cyril, in the basilica of San Clemente in 

Rome. The service was conducted by Metropolitan Timotej of 

Debar and Kicevo, with the assistance of Metropolitan Pimen of 

Europe and the priests of the Macedonian Orthodox Church, in 

the attendance of representatives of the Catholic Church of the 

Republic of Macedonia and Vatican. 

Within the framework of the cultural part of the event, Culture 

Minister Elizabeta Kanceska-Milevska opened the archaeological 

exhibition “Ancient Terracotta Figurines from Macedonia” at the 

Museum Centrale Montemartini, displaying 220 exhibits from the 

Archean era and the early-antiquity and early-Roman periods, 

found at a number of location across the Republic of Macedonia. 

This year’s event ended with the concert of Ana and Igor Durlovski, 

accompanied on the piano by Alessandro d’Agostini, performing 

music by home and foreign authors. 

The Macedonian delegation also participated in the Business 

Forums in Torino and Milan on 23 May and in Rome on 24 May 

organized by the Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce. 

M A C E D O N I A N D I P LO M AT I C B U L L E T I N 

No. 62 (June 2012) 

Founded by the MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS of the Republic of Macedonia. 

Dame Gruev 6, 1000 Skopje, Republic of Macedonia / www.mfa.gov.mk • mdb@mfa.gov.mk 

Previous editors: Pajo Avirovik, October 2006-April 2008; Zvonimir Popovik, May 2008-January 2010. 

Editor: Vladimir Efremovski 

Editorial Board: Agneza Rusi; Zuko 

Rizvanski; Shaban Jashari; Aleksandar 

Trajkoski; Katerina Stavreska; Eli 

Bojadjieska Ristovski; Edvard Mitevski; 

Maciej Kaczorowski; Elena Georgievska; 

Mircela Dzuvalekovska Casule 

Photo: Dragan Todorovski 

Gjoko GJORGJEVSKI, Ambassador 

IVANOV MEETS JOSIPOVIĆ IN ZAGREB 

Macedonian President Gjorge Ivanov met his Croatian counterpart 

Ivo Josipović in Zagreb on 4 June. Both presidents agreed at their 

meeting that bilateral relations and political dialogue between 

the Republic of Macedonia and the Republic of Croatia were 

excellent and that cooperation between the two countries had 

been developing positively. 

President Ivanov expressed gratitude for the support that the 

Republic of Croatia had been extending to the Republic of Macedonia 

in the process of integration into the North-Atlantic Alliance and 

the EU, especially for the Croatian support expressed at the NATO 

Summit in Chicago. Opinions and information were also shared 

at the meeting about the situation and cooperation in the region, 

as well as about the economic situation in both countries. 

Published monthly by: 

MACEDONIAN INFORMATION CENTRE 

Director: Dragan Antonov 

Chief Translator: 

Aleksandra Ilievska 

Address: Naum Naumovski Borce 73, 

1000 Skopje, Republic of Macedonia 

www.micnews.com.mk

PARLIAMENT SPEAKER VELJANOSKI 

VISITS SLOVENIA 

A delegation of the Parliament of the Republic of Macedonia led by 

Speaker Trajko Veljanoski paid a 2-day official visit to the Republic 

of Slovenia on 4-6 June. Veljanoski met his Slovenian counterpart 

Gregor Virant, President Danilo Türk, Prime Minister Janez Janša 

and Foreign Minister Karl Erjavec. 

Satisfaction with the bilateral relations was expressed at the 

meetings. Also, Speaker Veljanoski expressed gratitude for the 

principled support from the Republic of Slovenia for the Republic of 

Macedonia on its path toward Euro-Atlantic integration. Within the 

framework of the visit, Speaker Veljanoski also met representatives 

of associations of Macedonians living in the Republic of Slovenia. 

PRIME MINISTER GRUEVSKI PAYS WORKING 

VISIT TO RUSSIAN FEDERATION 

A high-ranking government delegation led by Nikola Gruevski, 

Prime Minister of the Republic of Macedonia, visited the Russian 

Federation on 17 to 22 June. In the course of their visit, the 

Macedonian delegation visited the regions of Moscow, Vladimir, 

Nizhny Novgorod and Saint Petersburg and realized a number 

of promotions of the investment potentials of the Republic of 

Macedonia. Numerous meetings were held with the governors 

of these regions, as well as with representatives of major Russian 

companies. Prime Minister Gruevski took part in the International 

Economic Forum in Saint Petersburg and had a meeting with 

Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation. The two 

officials emphasized the good political relations between the two 

countries and reiterated their commitment to further promotion 

of cooperation, especially in the field of economy, the required 

conditions for which are all in place. Cooperation in regard to 

gasification and making the Republic of Macedonia part of the 

international gas corridor, which is going to benefit greatly the 

Macedonian economy, were tabled at the meeting as well. During his 

stay in Saint Petersburg, Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski opened the 

Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Macedonia in Saint Petersburg. 

In the course of the Macedonian delegation’s visit to the 

Russian Federation, two significant documents were also signed 

– the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of 

Macedonia and the Government of the Russian Federation on 

Mutual Recognition of Documents on Education and University 

Titles and the Program for Trade, Economic, Scholarly, Technical 

and Cultural Cooperation between the Government of the Republic 

of Macedonia and the Government of the Moscow Region 2012-2014. 

REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA TAKES OVER CHAIRMANSHIP OF SEECP 

Gjorge Ivanov, President of the Republic of Macedonia, participated 

in the Summit of Heads of State and Government of the South-East 

European Cooperation Process (SEECP) in Belgrade on 15 June. 

The meeting was held within the framework of the Chairmanship 

of the Republic of Serbia of the SEECP and was attended by 

representatives of all member countries, of which the Republic of 

Macedonia, the Republic of Serbia, the Republic of Montenegro, 

the Republic of Bulgaria and the Republic of Moldavia were 

represented by their heads of state. 

Participants in the discussions emphasized their commitment 

to promoting regional cooperation through concrete projects 

and their resolve to promote regional solidarity among SEECP 

member states based on stronger political dialogue and better 

mutual understanding. Within the framework of the Summit, 

the Republic of Serbia handed the Chairmanship of SEECP to 

the following chair – the Republic of Macedonia – for the period 

between June 2012 and June 2013. 

On 14 June, within the framework of the same event, Macedonian 

Foreign Minister Nikola Poposki participated in the Meeting of 

Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the SEECP Member States. The highranking 

representatives of the Republic of Macedonia presented 

in their addresses the priorities of the Macedonian Chairmanship 

in the following year and the timetable of activities during the 

Chairmanship. 

On the sidelines of the Summit, President Ivanov held a number 

of bilateral meetings, including meetings with Tomislav Nikolić , the 

newly elected President of the Republic of Serbia, Nicolae Timofti, 

President of Moldavia, Rosen Plevneliev, President of Bulgaria, and 

Lamberto Zannier, OSCE Secretary General. Minister Poposki 

had bilateral meetings with the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of 

Serbia, Montenegro and Romania, Vuk Jeremić , Milan Roćen and 

Andrei Marga respectively, as well as with Ali Babacan, Deputy 

Prime Minister of the Republic of Turkey. 

No. 62 – 2012 MACEDONIAN DIPLOMATIC BULLETIN 3

4 

FOREIGN MINISTER POPOSKI 

ATTENDS CEI MEETING 

Macedonian Foreign Minister Nikola Poposki participated in 

the Meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of CEI (Central 

European Initiative) Member States in Trieste, Italy, on 13 June, 

and emphasized on that occasion the commitment of the Republic 

of Macedonia to good neighborly relations, regional cooperation, 

reconciliation and inclusiveness through intensifying political, 

security, economic, cultural and other cooperation in the region. 

In the capacity of future Chairman of the South-East European 

Cooperation Process, Minister Poposki presented the priorities of 

the Macedonian Chairmanship of the Process from June 2012 to 

June 2013 in the fields of political, economic, cultural, educational 

and other cooperation in the region of Southeast Europe and 

the strong commitment of the Government of the Republic of 

Macedonia to making a contribution to the attainment of the 

Initiative’s goals. 

MINISTER POPOSKI STRESSES MACEDONIA’S 

RESOLVE TO REMAIN COMMITTED 

TO EU AND NATO MEMBERSHIP 

Within the framework of his visit to the Kingdom of Spain 

on 12 June, Nikola Poposki, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the 

Republic of Macedonia, had a bilateral meeting with his Spanish 

counterpart, José Manuel García-Margallo y Marfil, Minister 

of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation. They discussed bilateral 

relations and cooperation between the Republic of Macedonia 

and the Kingdom of Spain, emphasizing the need for promoting 

economic cooperation between the business communities of 


ACTIVITIES OF FOREIGN MINISTER POPOSKI 

the two countries and for promoting regional cooperation with 

Spain during the Macedonian Chairmanship of the South-East 

European Cooperation Process. 

Stress was laid on the foreign policy priorities of the Republic 

of Macedonia. In that regard, Minister Poposki underscored 

Macedonia’s resolve, in spite of all obstacles, to remain committed 

to its strategic goals – NATO and EU membership. Also, he said 

he expected greater support from the Kingdom of Spain in this 

respect. Within the framework of his visit, Minister Poposki 

addressed the Elcano Royal Institute of International and Strategic 

Studies on the subject of Macedonia and the European Union and 

met Josep Antoni Duran i Lleida, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs 

Committee at the Spanish Congress of Deputies. 

MINISTER POPOSKI’S ACTIVITIES 

AT EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, IN 

BRUSSELS AND STRASBOURG 

Foreign Minister Nikola Poposki paid visits to the European 

Parliament in Brussels and Strasbourg on 7-9 June. 

At the European Parliament in Brussels on 7 June, on behalf of 

the Government of the Republic of Macedonia, he addressed the 

10th Meeting of the European Union-Republic of Macedonia Joint 

Parliamentary Committee, in which Members of the Parliament 

of the Republic of Macedonia and the European Parliament 

participated. Minister Poposki talked in his address about 

Macedonia’s European integration in the context of the High- 

Level Accession Dialogue with the European Commission and 

the need for opening membership negotiations as soon as possible. 

A Joint Declaration and Recommendations, in which the Council 

of the European Union is called upon once again to comply with 

the recommendation of the European Commission for setting the 

Republic of Macedonia a date for opening membership negotiations 

with the European Union, were adopted at the end of the meeting 

of the Joint Parliamentary Committee. 

On 8 and 9 June 2012, Minister Poposki participated in the 

General Assembly of the International Pan-European Union at the 

European Parliament in Strasbourg. He reiterated in his speech 

the commitment of the Republic of Macedonia to becoming 

part of the European family as soon as possible and informed 

on the progress made in meeting political and economic criteria 

and harmonizing Macedonian laws with the European acquis 

communautaire, as well as on the readiness of the institutions to 

follow the European model of work and action. He appealed that 

European integration should not stop until Europe is complete 

and united.

MEETING OF REPRESENTATIVES OF 

MINISTRIES OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS 

OF REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA 

AND REPUBLIC OF GREECE 

The main issue raised at the consultations between representatives of 

the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Macedonia and 

the Republic of Greece, held in Athens on 7 June, was the European 

integration of the Western Balkans. The delegations, led by the 

directors for the EU of the two Ministries, expressed readiness for 

closer cooperation between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the 

two countries with the aim of supporting the process of accession 

of the Republic of Macedonia into the EU and confirmed their 

shared interest in further cooperation and intensified dialogue 

on an expert level between the two countries in diverse areas. 

POLITICAL CONSULTATIONS BETWEEN MINISTRIES OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS 

OF REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA AND KINGDOM OF MOROCCO 

Political consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs 

of the Republic of Macedonia and the Kingdom of Morocco were 

held in Skopje on 21 June. The representatives of the Macedonian 

Foreign Ministry led by State Secretary Vlado Misajlovski and the 

representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation 

of the Kingdom of Morocco led by Nasser Bourita, Secretary General 

at the Ministry, tabled at the meeting the bilateral relations and the 

possibilities for their promotion and for promotion of cooperation 

on a multilateral scale. A special accent was put on strengthening 

cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, infrastructure, education 

and tourism. 

The representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and 

Cooperation of the Kingdom of Morocco were also received by 

Foreign Minister Nikola Poposki. 

KOSOVO FOREIGN MINISTER VISITS REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA 

Enver Hoxhaj, Minister of Foreign 

Affairs of the Republic of Kosovo, 

paid a one-day official visit to 

the Republic of Macedonia on 25 

June. At the meeting with his host, 

Macedonian Foreign Minister Nikola 

Poposki, views and initiatives were 

shared for the further development 

of relations and cooperation between 

the two countries bilaterally and 

multilaterally, with special stress on 

the economic cooperation. 

A shared assessment of both 

ministers was that the relations 

between the Republic of Macedonia 

and the Republic of Kosovo could 

serve as an example in the Region. 

Minister Poposki emphasized the 

strong support of the Republic of 

Macedonia for complete and accelerated integration of the Republic 

of Kosovo into the European Union and for Kosovo’s participation 

in regional organizations and initiatives. 

During his one-day visit, Minister Hoxhaj was also received by 

Macedonian President Gjorge Ivanov, Parliament Speaker Trajko 

Veljanoski and Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski. 


Your Excellency, the political relations between the Republic of 

Macedonia and the United States of America are characterized by 

an open and continuous dialogue, based on trust and friendship, 

also confirmed with the Declaration on Strategic Partnership 

and Cooperation signed between the two countries in May of 

2008. In your view, what are the measures necessary for more 

intensive bilateral cooperation? 

The United States has a multi-faceted and very active program of 

cooperation with Macedonia in many areas. We are strong partners, 

and our bilateral relationship continues to grow broader and deeper 

every day. The U.S. has invested well over $1 billion in Macedonia 

to create jobs, reduce corruption, renovate schools, and prepare 

Macedonian students for the workforce. We have brought over 

300 Peace Corps volunteers to serve in education and community 

development; we have helped train professionals in virtually every 

sector of society and sent hundreds of Macedonians to the United 

States on exchange programs. The time that Macedonians on U.S. 

Government exchange programs have spent in the United States 

hopefully helped them better understand America, and Americans. 

At the same time, in the United States there are now Americans 

who understand Macedonia better because Macedonians have spent 

time with them. Our friendship with Macedonia is strengthened 

by the work we do together every day, and our bilateral relationship 

will improve even further as we work together to enhance regional 

security, cooperate on a range of important international issues, and 

help move Macedonia toward its Euro-Atlantic integration goals. 

Your Excellency, what are the prospects for signing agreements, 

initiated by the Macedonian side, in the sphere of economy, 

such as the Agreement on Double Taxation Avoidance and the 

6 


INTERVIEW 

H.E. Mr. Paul D. Wohlers, Ambassador of the United States of America to the Republic of Macedonia 

MACEDONIA A VALUED FRIEND AND PARTNER OF THE UNITED STATES 

Agreement on Promotion and Mutual Protection of Investments 

between the Republic of Macedonia and the United States? 

Do you believe that chances for enhancement of the economic 

cooperation between the two countries could improve with the 

possible conclusion of such agreements? 

I am extremely pleased to see that the economic relationship 

between the United States and Macedonia continues to flourish. 

The new $25 million Kemet Electronics’ plant in the Skopje I Free 

Economic Zone will create 500 new jobs and is the most recent 

example of how this relationship is growing to the benefit of both 

our countries. It seems clear to me that we don’t need agreements 

like these to bring our economies closer – it is already happening 

every day. I hope and expect to see continued growth in all aspects 

of our economic relationship. In particular, I would like to see more 

Macedonian companies investing in the United States. I would add 

that the United States views double taxation treaties as vehicles 

to solve technical tax problems, and I have not heard from any 

companies that are encountering such problems. With regard to 

an investment treaty, given that the United States is already one 

of the largest investors in Macedonia, I don’t see a pressing need 

for such an agreement and I would rather focus our energy on 

economic activities, such as the recent promotion of Macedonian 

wine in the United States and on securing an agreement to allow 

U.S. meat to be imported into Macedonia. 

Could the launch of the construction of the second factory of 

the U.S. company Johnson Controls in Stip give additional 

stimulation for other important U.S. companies to invest in 

the Republic of Macedonia? 

The launch of Johnson Controls’ second factory in Macedonia is an 

outstanding development. This $20 million investment is expected 

to create 1,400 new jobs. What’s more, it can be seen as a “seal of 

approval” for investing in Macedonia. The experience of operating 

its first plant in Macedonia was positive enough that it led Johnson 

Controls to expand its operations and to open another factory here. 

Repeat customers are always a sign that you are doing something 

right. There is great potential and opportunity for investors here, 

and I am always pleased to see U.S. companies - like Johnson 

Controls - choosing to invest in Macedonia. 

However, it is important that the Government continue to 

ensure that Macedonia is a good place to do business by actively 

combating corruption, promoting the rule of law, and streamlining 

the entry of new investors into the market. In the long run, success 

stories from foreign companies already operating in Macedonia, 

like Johnson Controls, are the best way to attract new investment. 

In 2000, the Republic of Macedonia lifted visas for bearers of all 

types of passport for U.S. nationals. An initiative for inclusion 

of the Republic of Macedonia in the so-called Visa Waiver 

Program (VWP) for visa-free travel to the United States has been 

instigated in the Washington-based Embassy of the Republic of 

Macedonia. Mr. Ambassador, what are the prospects and what 

is the time frame by which Macedonia could become part of 

this US Program? 

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) is open to countries that have 

very low rates of nonimmigrant visa refusals and immigration

violations, issue secure travel documents, and work closely with 

U.S. law enforcement and counterterrorism authorities. The 

standard requirements include a nonimmigrant visa refusal 

rate below three percent. We generally have such low refusal 

rates in countries with strong or improving economies and a 

low unemployment rate. As a country’s economy improves, 

its citizens are less likely to live or work illegally in the United 

States. Consequently, we refuse fewer visa applications, and the 

prospects for that country entering the Visa Waiver Program 

improve. At this point, our refusal rate for visa applications from 

Macedonians is significantly higher than three percent, which we 

believe is due primarily to current economic conditions. Because 

many factors are involved in qualifying for VWP membership, 

we cannot predict the length of time it would take any country 

to meet all of the requirements in order to be considered for 

admission to the program. However, we are committed to working 

with Macedonia to strengthen its economy, which should help 

lead to lower visa refusal rates. 

How do you see the continuation of the NATO enlargement 

process, having in mind the different levels of the aspirants on 

Macedonia a Valued Friend and Partner of the United States 

their path to NATO membership, especially in the case of the 

Republic of Macedonia? 

America’s relationship with our NATO allies is a cornerstone of 

our engagement with the world and enhances both our security 

and the democratic values that all the allies share. The Chicago 

Summit successfully advanced our shared goals as NATO members: 

achieving our objectives in Afghanistan; reforming NATO so that 

it has the capabilities it needs; and strengthening partnerships 

beyond NATO’s borders. The enlargement policy was never one 

of the topics on the agenda for Chicago. 

Macedonia has been a valued friend and partner of the United 

States since its independence and will be long into the future. Nobody 

wants to see Macedonia join NATO more than the United States, 

and nobody stands more ready to assist Macedonia in taking the 

steps needed for successful accession into the Alliance. 

The Alliance’s door remains open, and NATO has agreed that 

Macedonia has met all membership criteria and will be accepted 

as a full member upon resolution of its name dispute with Greece. 

As Secretary Clinton stated, we believe the Chicago Summit should 

be the last one that is not an enlargement summit. 

ROAD SHOW OF GOVERNMENT ECONOMIC TEAM IN SCANDINAVIA 

“The visit to the four Scandinavian countries proved a success 

and the goal has been attained”, said Prime Minister Nikola 

Gruevski, who led the government economic team in the Kingdom 

of Sweden, the Republic of Finland, the Kingdom of Denmark 

and the Kingdom of Norway on 5-9 June. 

At the business forums held before representatives of more 

than 200 companies from these countries, the government team 

presented the economic potentials, investment opportunities 

and incentives for doing business in the Republic of Macedonia. 

Within the framework of the visit to the Scandinavian 

countries, Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski met with Finnish 

President Sauli Niinistö, Fredrik Reinfeldt and Per Westerberg, 

Swedish Prime Minister and Speaker of the Swedish Parliament 

respectively, Helle Thorning-Schmidt and Mogens Lykketoft, 

Prime Minister and Parliament Speaker of the Kingdom of 

Denmark respectively, and Jens Stoltenberg, Prime Minister of 

the Kingdom of Norway. 


8 

STONE DOLLS, EARTH PYRAMIDS AND MERRY WEDDING 

IN KUKLICA VILLAGE 

Kuklica is a small village of a sparse type, 8 km northwest 

of Kratovo. Situated on the right bank of the Kriva Reka 

River, in the mid area of its basin, on an altitude of 430 

to 700 meters above sea level, its broader area covers 13.7 sq. 

kilometers. Kuklica is known for its typical erosive landforms 

called earth pyramids or stone dolls. There are two groups 

of earth pyramids; those in the central section of the small 

depression, at the foot of Dubica Hill, are larger (up to 10 meters 

high), independent and in the form of earth pillars; those to the 

east (right) of them, right next to Zabel Hill, are smaller forms 

(up to 5 meters high), standing close to one another and often 

blended with the foot of the hill. Because of their peculiar look, 

resembling human figures lined as “stoned wedding guests,” 

locals call them “The Merry Wedding.” 

Legend has it that a very long time ago, a great tragedy befell 

the village of Kuklica. The boy, with whom a girl was desperately 

in love, married another, which made the disappointed girl curse 


the would-be spouses. When their wedding day came, everything 

seemed fine: the in-laws and other guests gathered together and 

the merriment began. The moment the newlyweds kissed, the 

curse came upon them and they all turned to stone. The stoned 

wedding guests are monuments today to the misfortunate girl’s 

pain. The locals call the place “The Merry Wedding” because the 

merry company had all smiles on their faces and the newlyweds 

were in a gentle embrace the moment they turned to stone. In 

fact, it was these stone dolls that the village was named after. 

With a little fantasy, every visitor can fill up the gaps in the story 

bearing in mind that what happened to the girl that cast the spell 

has remained a mystery. The local population says their ancestors 

tried to break the spell of the grieving girl but failed. 

Scientists, on the other hand, say that the stone figures were 

created 10 million years ago, when there were still no people on the 

planet. The vertical erosion of the volcanic rocks created “dolls” of 

more than 10 meters high, which have dominated the surrounding

landscape ever since. Over time, nature has shaped master pieces 

out of them, protected by the agency of natural curiosities at the 

Ministry of Environment. There is a similar phenomenon only in 

Serbia, at Djavolja Varos. 

The local population says that every 5 or 6 years, both in the 

Upper and the Lower Neighborhood, two locations divided by a 

hill, a new figure emerges. Most impressive are the bride and the 

groom escorted by the best man and the maid of honor. They are 

the largest, looking into each others’ eyes. The stone dolls in this 

area are a natural phenomenon created through centuries of erosion 

of volcanic rocks of different erodibility: ignimbrite, andesite and 

tuffs. The stronger, more compact rocks (ignimbrite and andesite) 

erode slowly, protecting the soft tuff underneath. Thus protected, the 

tuffs together with the sturdier rocks above stand out in the relief 

in the form of spikes and pillars, or earth pyramids. Atmospheric 

events, such as rain, temperature rises and falls and wind, have 

all left their mark, shaping and molding them, giving them their 

peculiar forms. These processes that began some ten thousand years 

ago continue today. The earth pyramids are constantly changing 

their form, and while some gradually become destroyed, others 

are created. The process, however, is slow and its results are not 

visible in a month or year. The phenomenon of earth pyramids 

or stone dolls, the creation of which requires specific geological, 

geomorphologic, climatic and vegetative conditions, is quite rare 

globally, and therefore the locality of Kuklica has been protected 

as a natural curiosity. 


Gjorge Ivanov, President of the Republic of 

Macedonia, participated in the 10th UNESCO 

Regional Summit of Heads of State of Southeast 

Europe entitled “Religious and Cultural Historical 

Heritage as a Foundation for more Intensive 

Cooperation among States,” within the framework 

of the forum “Dialogue Among Civilizations.” In the 

course of the summit, President Ivanov had bilateral 

meetings with Bakir Izetbegović, Chairman of the 

Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Filip 

Vujanović, President of Montenegro. During his 

visit to Mostar, he also laid flowers at the monument 

to former Macedonian President Boris Trajkovski 

at Rotimlje. 

10 

MACEDONIAN WINE PROMOTED IN USA 

A promotion of Macedonian wines took place at the Embassy 

of the Republic of Macedonia in Washington, DC on 30 May, 

organized by the Embassy in cooperation with the Agency for 

Foreign Investments and Export Promotion of the Republic of 

Macedonia and the USAID Investment Development and Export 

Advancement Support (IDEAS) and AgBiz projects. 

A number of Macedonian wines of the Macedonian wineries 

Tikves, Dudin, Dalvina, Stobi, Kamnik, Popova Kula and Bovin 

were promoted before US importers, distributors and enologists. 

This was the first organized presentation of Macedonian wines 

in Washington, DC. 

MACEDONIAN INVESTMENT 

FORUM HELD IN BUDAPEST 

The Macedonian Investment Forum was held at CEU (Central 

European University) Business School in Budapest on 25 June, 

organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Macedonia in 

Hungary and EuCham CEE. The goal of the Forum, attended by 

representatives of more than 80 companies from Hungary and 

Central Europe, was presenting the investment climate of the 

Republic of Macedonia and the possibilities for investment in a 

number of sectors. 

Darko Angelov, Macedonian Ambassador to Hungary, opened 

the Forum presenting the most important macroeconomic 

parameters of the country and the principle features of its business 

environment, while Viktor Mizo, Director of the Directorate for 

Technological Industrial Development Zones, gave an overview 


REGIONAL SUMMIT IN MOSTAR 

of the investment climate and opportunities for investment in 

the Republic of Macedonia. The measures of the Macedonian 

Government for attracting foreign investments and the potential 

for export of Macedonian products to Hungary and Central Europe 

were emphasized at the presentation. 

AMBASSADOR NANO RUZIN AWARDED 

With a Decree of the President of the French Republic, Nano 

Ruzin, former Ambassador of the Republic of Macedonia to NATO, 

was presented the highest French award, Chevalier de la Legion 

d’honneur, for his contribution to bringing the two countries and 

nations closer together. He was presented the award by Jean-Claude 

Schlumberger, French Ambassador to the Republic of Macedonia.

CELEBRATION OF QUEEN’S 

DIAMOND JUBILEE 

In the year when the UK celebrates the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, 

the British Embassy hosted a reception to honour the 60 years of 

Her Majesty’s reign. The reception took place at the Museum of 

Contemporary Arts in Skopje on 22 June 2012. 

Queen Elizabeth II is the second monarch in British history to 

reign for 60 years. In 2012 there are celebrations all over the UK, 

the Commonwealth and overseas to mark the Queen’s 60 years 

on the throne. 

Guests at the reception included Parliament Speaker Trajko 

Veljanoski, ministers in the Government of Macedonia, MPs, 

diplomats, university professors, artists, media representatives, 

as well as Chevening scholars. 

SLOVENIA HOSTS RECEPTION 

TO MARK STATEHOOD DAY 

DIPLOMATIC EVENTS 

On the occasion of 25 June, Statehood Day of the Republic of 

Slovenia, the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Skopje hosted a 

reception attended by over 300 guests, including Trajko Veljanoski, 

Speaker of the Parliament of the Republic of Macedonia, Nikola 

Poposki, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Members of the Macedonian 

Parliament, representatives of the diplomatic corps, international 

organizations, religious communities, non-governmental 

organizations and Slovenian associations in Republic of Macedonia 

and other distinguished figures. 

Slovenian Ambassador Alain Brian Bergant addressed the 

guests, highlighting the excellent and friendly relations between 

Slovenia and Macedonia, as evidenced by the number of visits on 

the highest political level. He stressed the strong support from 

Slovenia for Macedonia’s integration into the EU and NATO and 

the fruitful economic cooperation. 

EMBASSY OF MALTA HOSTS RECEPTION 

IN HONOR OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST 

The Embassy of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta hosted a 

cocktail reception at Continental Hotel in Skopje on 27 June to 

celebrate the Feast Day of Saint John the Baptist, the Patron Saint of 

the Order. On this occasion, Ambassador Pawel Gierynski decorated 

Mr Spiro Ristovski, Minister of Labor and Social Policy, and Mr 

Kevin Bond with Grand Cross pro Merito Melitensi and Cross 

of Grand Officer pro Merito Melitensi respectively, presented by 

His Most Eminent Highness, the Prince and Grand Master of the 

Order, in recognition of their personal virtues and achievements 

in helping the poor and the needy. 

Ms Anne-Marie Yazbek, Charge d’affairs 1st Secretary of the 

Embassy, pointed out in her speech that the relations between 

the Order of Malta and the Macedonian Government would 

strengthen developing future common projects and be the reason 

for more synergies. 

MDB would like to extend a warm welcome and wish a successful diplomatic mission in the Republic of Macedonia to: 

H.E. Mr. Zdravko Begović, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary 

of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the Republic of Macedonia 

H.E. Mr. Carlos Danilo Vallejo Lopez, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary 

of the Republic of Ecuador to the Republic of Macedonia, resident in Rome 

H.E. Mr. Oliver Grogan, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary 

of the Republic of Ireland to the Republic of Macedonia, resident in Bucharest 

MDB would also like to thank H.E. Mr. Marc Michielsen, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom 

of Belgium, for his completed diplomatic mission in the Republic of Macedonia, wishing him success in his future career. 


DYNAMIC LIFE IN BRUSSELS 

Brussels, known as the heart of the European 

Union, conjures up in one’s mind an image of 

diversity, of unification and of creation of key 

policies and discussions, in which, directly or 

indirectly, everyone is entitled to offer or ask 

for something. 

In the European capital, a small piece 

of the European puzzle is the Mission of 

the Republic of Macedonia to the European 

Union, which, in its own unambiguous way, 

pursuing the interests of its country, plays a 

role on Macedonia’s path of EU integration. 

The objective of the Republic of Macedonia 

in its relations with the European Union is 

opening the deserved accession talks for fullfledged 

membership by the end of this year. 

However, as it is well known, we are blocked 

by a member state. Many EU member states 

do not understand the reason and openly 

support the policy of enlargement and opening 

membership negotiations with Macedonia. However, because of 

the unanimous decision-making principle at the Council of the 

EU, the possibilities to unblock the process of EU integration have 

so far been quite restricted. 

In order to make up for the lost time as regards the process 

of European integration, the High-Level Accession Dialogue 

between the Government of the Republic of Macedonia and 

the European Commission has recently been launched and 

has been successfully carried out. This political dialogue is not 

a substitute for the membership negotiations. It is, however, a 

process improving the state of affairs in the areas defined in the 

Roadmap for its realization. 

The Mission of the Republic of Macedonia to the EU is the venue, 

the cornerstone and the home of the Republic of Macedonia in 

the heart of Europe, open for cooperation at all times. 

It is for this reason that our Mission to Brussels was visited on 

frequent occasions in 2012 by Macedonian and foreign entities that 

have chosen the relations and process of Macedonia’s integration 

into the EU as their future profession and have a desire to learn 

more about and gradually get an insight into the workings of 

the EU, and then use the acquired knowledge and experience in 

A working forum, Investments in Innovations, was held at the 

Mission of the Republic of Macedonia to the EU on 20 June, as 

part of EU Sustainable Energy Week organized by the European 

Commission. The main objective of the forum, opened by Andrej 

Lepavcov, Ambassador of the Republic of Macedonia to the EU, was 

promoting and presenting regional capacities and potentials for 

financing through EU funds and business angels and possibilities 

for investments in innovations in small and medium business, 

as well as putting the Republic of Macedonia and the Region 

on the EU map of international activities in regard to the new 

technologies in the sectors of ICT, energy, transport and, especially, 

electro mobility. 

Bil Pavleski, Minister of Foreign Investments, also addressed 

the forum through a video recording. 

12 


FROM THE EMBASSY’S DIARY 

establishing a starting base for new ideas and a new approach 

toward Macedonia’s full integration into the European family. 

Within the framework of the general European policies that 

provide daily support for sustainable development, advanced 

technologies, innovation and energy efficiency and within the 

framework of this structure, the Mission of the Republic of 

Macedonia supports all Macedonian entities and authorities 

having an interest in continuing along this way and being an 

additional force pulling ahead toward the craved goal through 

their advanced, productive, innovative and economically feasible 

visions and concrete project. 

A support for the enthusiasm and energy, brought by Macedonian 

visitors in recent months, are also the facilitated conditions for 

travel through introducing direct Skopje-Brussels flight services and 

the possibility of cheaper plane tickets, backed by the Macedonian 

Government. Facilitated mobility helps interested entitles ask direct 

questions, get firsthand information and make tangible contribution. 

Dr. Andrej LEPAVCOV 

Ambassador and Head of Mission of the Republic of 

Macedonia to the European Union 

WORKING FORUM AT REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA MISSION TO THE EU

MACEDONIAN DIPLOMATIC BULLETIN No. 62 - missions.gov.mk

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?