Newsletter May 2012

I S S U E 

16 

M AY 

2 0 1 2 

SLOVENIAN EMBASSY 

SKOPJE 

MONTHLY e-NEWSLETTER 

In this issue 

Foreign Minister Poposki on official visit to Slovenia 1 

Defence Minister Besimi on official visit to Slovenia 2 

Economy Minister Saraqini on official visit to Slovenia 2 

Interior Minister Jankulovska on a Ministerial Conference in Slovenia 3 

Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Janša awarded by the Macedonian United Diaspora 4 

Ambassador Bergant met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs Poposki 4 

Ambassador Bergant met with the Minister of Justice Bexheti 5 

Ambassador Bergant met with the Minister for Public Administration and Information Society Ivanovski 5 

Ambassador Bergant met with the President of the Parliamentary Group for friendship with Slovenia 5 

EU Day at the Skopje City Park 6 

Ambassador Bergant held a lecture for the Diplomatic Club 7 

Annual General Meeting of SMBK 7 

Working visit to ERA Group – Skopje Fair8 

Working visit to KEMA Company Skopje 8 

Building of five small hydropower plants and water network on Bošava River8 

Presentation of Slovenian Companies – Ljubljanske mlekarne 9 

International Charity Bazaar Skopje 2012 + Exhibition and Press conference 10 

Completing of the campaign for collecting used clothing and shoes12 

Go Pink 2012 – Campaign for fight against breast cancer12 

Prof. Janez Koželj guest at Bimas 201213 

Photo exhibition Fotografije13 

Concert of Slovenian Choirs in Skopje and final performance of the children’s choir in Skopje 14 

Tourist destinations: Bohinj15 

Macedonian Foreign Minister Poposki on official visit to Slovenia 

Ljubljana, 25 May 2012 

Foreign Minister Karl Erjavec received Macedonian Foreign Minister Nikola Poposki who paid an official 

visit to Slovenia. Minister Erjavec was pleased that the visit by Minister Poposki coincided with the 20th 

anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries; he emphasised that 

Slovenia was the first country to establish diplomatic relations with Macedonia. 

Minister Erjavec assessed that Slovenian-Macedonian relations are excellent and extensive, which is 

demonstrated by their economic cooperation. He stated that Slovenia is interested in further enhancement 

of cooperation; he is convinced that prompt resolution of issues faced by Slovenian companies will be 

helpful in this respect. Minister Erjavec confirmed that Slovenia will continue implementing development 

cooperation and despite financial restrictions, since Slovenia recognises the importance of meeting the 

assumed obligations to enhance credibility and partner relations between the two countries. 

In addition, he reiterated Slovenia's support to Macedonia on its path towards the EU and NATO, stating 

that Macedonia already plays the role of exporter of stability and peace as part of its cooperation with 

NATO. He welcomed the country's success on its way towards the EU and the initiation of the high level 

accession dialog between the Macedonian Government and the European Commission. He expressed 

hope that concrete steps forward will be taken also in the future. Minister Poposki confirmed that the 

relations between the countries are positive and that there is mutual interest in further strengthening. He 

thanked Slovenia for its constant help on Macedonia's path towards Euro-Atlantic integration. 

As part of his official visit to Slovenia, Minister Poposki was received by the President of the Republic of 

Slovenia, Dr Danilo Türk, the President of the Slovenian National Assembly, Dr Gregor Virant, and 

Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Janša. 

Source and picture from: www.mzz.gov.si 

1

Bilateral 

Cooperation 

Macedonian Defence Minister Besimi on official visit to Slovenia 


Defence Minister of the Republic of Macedonia Fatmir Besimi paid one day working visit to Ljubljana. 

Defence Minister Aleš Hojs assured his Macedonian counterpart that Slovenia is among the strongest 

supporters of Macedonia in the country's efforts to join NATO, its Euro-Atlantic aspirations and believes 

that Macedonia has reached the required level in order to join the NATO Alliance. As a supporter of 

Macedonia's NATO membership, Slovenia hopes that the dispute between Macedonia and Greece, which 

is hindering Macedonia's progress in this respect, will be resolved as soon as possible highlighted Minister 

Hojs. Similarly, Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Janša, who visited Germany the same day, told the press 

in Berlin that the long dispute was affecting Macedonia's stability. That is why "we expect flexibility of both 

sides," he stated. 

Minister Besimi said that Macedonia met all the standards and had successfully carried out all the 

necessary reforms to meet NATO demands. He sees Slovenia as Macedonian friend and a great supporter 

of the country's efforts to join Euro-Atlantic alliances. 

Ministers Hojs and Besimi also discussed bilateral cooperation in defence and labelled it as very good and 

intensive. They also touched on cooperation as part of international operations and missions, and 

discussed the issue of defence reforms. Minister Hojs said that the bilateral cooperation in defence could 

be enhanced in the area of the so-called smart defence, where countries join their forces to boost their 

capabilities. 

Macedonian Defence Minister Besimi is the first foreign minister to be received by Hojs since the minister 

took office. As part of the working visit to Ljubljana, Minister Besimi met Chief of the General Staff of the 

Slovenian Army, Brigardier Dobran Božič as well as President Dr. Danilo Türk and Foreign Minister Karl 

Erjavec. 

The Macedonian delegation also visited the Chamber of Commerce and Industry. 

Macedonian Economy Minister Saraqini on official visit to Slovenia 


The trade exchange between Macedonia and Slovenia is 

insufficient and there is possibility to use the markets in both 

countries, stated the MacedonianMinister of Economy Valon 

Saraqini and the Slovenian Minister of Economic 

Development and Technology, Radovan Žerjav after the 

meeting in Ljubljana. 

++ 

The tourism, especially geothermal and spa, the trade, 

energy and the Slovenian investments in Macedonia were main topic of the discussion of both Ministers. It 

was agreed in composition of the Macedonian Ministry of Economy to open contact office in which the 

Slovenian investors will be able more effective to complete the administration matters. 

“In the part of the tourism we concluded to form a consortium by the Slovenian companies that have 

knowledge, capacities and desire to invest in geothermal and spa tourism. We offered four locations for 

spa tourism – Debar, Kocani, Strnovec and Kumanovo. I expect proposals at the afternoon meeting with 

2

Slovenian businessmen to define the details for investing in spa tourism in Macedonia”, stated Minister 

Saraqini on a press-conference. 

Minister Saraqini promoted the concept for touristic development zones that arise interest on Slovenian 

side for investments. “There is interest also for construction of small and big HPPs, as well as for 

photovoltaic power plants and for opening of factory for production of solar panels, as well as for 

exploitation of mineral resources”, emphasized Saraqini. 

The Slovenian Minister Žerjav emphasized that for the first time after 2003 when was concluded the Free 

Trade Agreement between the two countries, it was agreed in October in Skopje to be held meeting of the 

Joint Committee on which will be reviewed all of the problematic topics. 

“With my colleague we discussed the possibility Slovenia in Macedonia to construct hydropower plants 

among which it was discussed also for 12 HPPs that are planned to be constructed on Vardar because we 

have capacity 95 percent of the equipment to produce by ourselves”, stated Žerjav. 

Source and picture from: www.economy.gov.mk 

Macedonian Interior Minister Jankuloska on a Ministerial 

Conference in Brdo near Kranj 


The Republic of Macedonia highly appreciates the cooperation with its partners and friends, and in terms 

of police work on the ground, such cooperation certainly is vital for efficient dealing with all threats to the 

security and safety of our societies, Minister of Interior Gordana Jankuloska said in Brdo near Kranj, at the 

seventh meeting of the Committee of MoI of SEE countries, signatories of the Vienna Police Cooperation 

Convention. 

The meeting was held on the margins of a two-day Conference of Ministers of Interior of EU member and 

candidate countries within the Brdo Process. Considering Macedonia's strategic goal - the full-fledged EU 

membership, the country's legislation is being harmonized with the union's one, so that it may meet and 

apply in practice the EU's standards and good practices, which also refers to the ones related to justice 

and internal affairs, Jankuloska said. The laws on police, Criminal Procedure and a great number of bylaws 

set a solid legal frame for efficent implementation of the Convention, she added. 

On the sidelines of the Ministerial Conference within the Brdo process, Minister Gordana Jankuloska held 

a bilateral meeting with her Slovenian counterpart, Vinko Gorenak. They discussed several topics of 

common interest, regulated by the existing bilateral agreements between the Republic of Macedonia and 

the Republic of Slovenia in the field of joint struggle against terrorism, organized crime and illicit drug 

trafficking, and about the joint agreement for return of persons whose entry or stay is inconsistent with 

applicable regulations. Ministers Jankuloska and Gorenak confirmed the successful cooperation taking 

place on multiple levels, and at the same time they initiated the start of the procedure for concluding an 

Agreement on police cooperation between the governments of both countries to further regulate, and 

intensify bilateral police cooperation. This initiative was adopted by the Slovenian side and in the next 

period the draft text of the agreement will be prepared which would be followed by its further 

operationalization. 

Source: www.mia.com.mk and www.mvr.gov.mk 

3

Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Janša receives Goce Delčev 

award and meets Macedonian President Gjorgje Ivanov 

Skopje, 19 May 2012 

On the margins of the NATO Summit in Chicago Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Janša was presented 

with the Goce Delčev Award by the United Macedonian Diaspora (UMD). This is the UMD's highest award 

and is conferred on persons whose works in public life have a strong influence on Macedonians throughout 

the world. Moreover, it is intended for those who are committed to freedom, justice and democratic 

principles. 

In its statement of reasons for conferring this award on the Slovenian Prime Minister, the UMD wrote that 

Macedonians living outside their native country cherish the solid bonds of friendship between Slovenia and 

Macedonia. In its statement, the UMD went on to confirm that Slovenia's support to Macedonia in its 

endeavours to integrate into Euro-Atlantic structures is of paramount importance, and also gave credit to 

the Slovenian Prime Minister for this assistance. 

On the margins of the award ceremony, Prime Minister Janez Janša said that he does not see this award 

as a personal recognition, but rather as recognition for all the efforts invested by Slovenia under different 

governments to help expedite Macedonia's progress. "Several years ago, Slovenia succeeded in pushing 

through a proposal under which Macedonia was granted EU candidate status. Since then, progress has, 

unfortunately, stalled before decisive steps forward could be made, the reason being a dispute over the 

country's name, an unresolved issue within both the European Union and NATO. In the years ahead, 

additional efforts will therefore have to be made in order to at least somehow circumvent this barrier if it 

proves impossible to remove. The stability of the entire region also depends on the progress made by all 

Western Balkan countries towards EU membership, as well as NATO membership for those which are not 

yet members of this structure. As this progress is not only of exceptional importance for our region but for 

the entire continent, every party involved should make more efforts to this end," the Prime Minister 

concluded. 

This is the second time the UMD has presented the 

Goce Delčev Award thus far. The award was first 

received in 2010 by the Canadian Prime Minister, 

Stephen Harper, for his support to Macedonia in the 

international environment, and for his respect of the 

country's cultural and ethnic heritage. 

Meetings 

Prime Minister Janša held a number of bilateral meetings 

in Chicago, including a meeting with the President of the 

Republic of Macedonia Dr Gjorge Ivanov. 

Ambassador Brian Bergant meets with the Minister for 

Foreign Affairs Nikola Poposki 


Within the preparations for the official visit to Slovenia, Macedonian Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikola 

Poposki held a meeting with Ambassador Brian Bergant. They discussed the bilateral cooperation, the 

integration process of Macedonia’s membership in EU and NATO, the current development in the Western 

Balkans. Ambassador Bergant pointed out the good economic cooperation between the two countries, and 

emphasized some problems that Slovenian companies are facing in Macedonia. 

4

Ambassador Brian Bergant meets with the Minister of 

Justice Blerim Bexheti 


Ambassador Brian Bergant held a meeting with Minister Blerim Bexheti at the Ministry of Justice. The main 

topic discussed was the evaluation of the II. session of the High Level Accession Dialogue (HLAD) of 

justice. 

Minister Bexheti expressed his satisfaction with the progress of the HLAD in the field of justice. He 

emphasized that the key tasks for the Ministry of Justice are: professionalism of the judiciary, the plan to 

reduce the backlog of cases, fight against corruption and organized crime, progression in the judiciary and 

the reform of the electoral system. 

Ambassador Brian Bergant meets with the Minister of Public 

Administration and Information Society Ivo Ivanovski 


Ambassador Brian Bergant met with the Minister of Public Administration and Information Society Ivo 

Ivanovski. Minister Ivanovski presented the progress in the field of public administration reforms, which is 

one of the five key areas of the HLAD with the EU. He expressed his wish for cooperation with Slovenia in 

preparing amendments to the Law on Administrative Procedure, preparation of a single systemization of 

working places and a new Law on public administration. The Minister also informed that in accordance with 

the requirements of the European Commission Report on the progress of Macedonia, they are preparing a 

new Law on mass media and will shortly be submitted for parliamentary consideration. 

Ambassador Brian Bergant meets with the president of 

the Group for Friendship with Slovenia Risto Mančev 


Ambassador Brian Bergant in the framework of the preparations for the official visit of the President of the 

Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia Trajko Veljanoski in Ljubljana (June 4 - 6), held a meeting with 

Risto Mančev, President of the Friendship Group with Slovenia. He was pleased that the President of the 

Assembly will be accompanied by the President of the group of friendship and three members - Mevmed 

Džemailoski (PEI), Oliver Spasovski (SDSM) and Amdi Bajram (ZRM). He presented the Friendship Group 

with Macedonia in the National Assembly of the Republic of Slovenia, headed by Maja Dimitrovski (PS) 

and has fourteen members. He informed of the content of the discussions at the recent visit of Foreign 

Minister Nikola Poposki in Slovenia and other bilateral cooperation between the two countries in political, 

economic, cultural and other fields. 

5

Mančev pointed out that the mere fact that the President of the Assembly Veljanoski will be recieved by the 

entire state official political top shows that the political relations between the two countries are really good. 

He thanked for the continued Slovenian support for accession of Macedonia in the Euro-Atlantic 

structures. He also expressed great disappointment that Macedonia did not receive an invitation for 

membership at the recent NATO Summit in Chicago. He said that the new form of cooperation with the EU, 

the High Level Accession Dialogue (HLAD) was good, but added that this is not a substitute for the start of 

accession negotiations. 

EU DAY 

Ambassador Bergant stressed the extensive bilateral cooperation in the economic field. He outlined the 

activities of the Embassy in the field of economic diplomacy and the effective functioning of the Slovenian- 

Macedonian Business Club. He pointed out that some individual Slovenian companies are facing 

difficulties in their work on the Macedonian market and that there are many opportunities to strengthen the 

economic cooperation. Among the exciting areas he highlighted energy, tourism and food industry. 

Presentation of Slovenia at the Europe Day at the Skopje 

City Park 


The Europe Day celebration this year was marked with various activities, culminating with a main event in 

Skopje City Park, attended by hundreds of participants On the main elementary school pupils accounted 

for 27 Member States and candidates countries for EU. Main sponsor of the event was the EU Delegation 

in Skopje. 

Slovenia was presented by the pupils from the Primary School „Brothers Ramiz and Hamid“ from the Roma 

Municipality of Šuto Orizari in Skopje. The Slovenian stand had tourist advertisement materials, banners, 

posters and commemorative gifts with the colors of the Slovenian flag. Those who visited the Slovenian 

stand were able to try the domestic nut cake Potica and Fructal fruit juices. The event was attended by 

Ambassador Brian Bergant. 

The main speaker at the event was the head of the EU Delegation Aivo Orav. The cultural program 

included performances by Foltin, Fullstop, Toni Zen, including the Children Choir Menada, that performed 

the European and Macedonian anthem, as well as some classical pieces. 

In the framework of the EU presentation across Macedonia with the „EU Travel Bus“, Slovenia was 

presented on 23 May in Ljubanishta. 

6

Diplomacy 

Economy 

Ambassador Bergant held a lecture to the members of the 

Diplomatic Club 


Ambassador Brian Bergant held a lecture on “The Republic of 

Slovenia and Western Balkans-experience in the political, 

economic and cultural fields« to the members of the Diplomatic 

Club at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, led by Macedonian 

Ambassador Viktor Gaber. The lecture was attended by retired 

Macedonian diplomats, members of the diplomatic corps and 

representatives of the media. The lecture was part of a set of 

farewell visits before the end of Ambassador Bergant’s mandate. 

Annual General Meeting of the Slovenian-Macedonian 

Business Club and presentation of the Faculty of 

Economics, University of Ljubljana 


The Slovenian-Macedonian Business Club (SMPK) held an annual general meeting at the convention 

center City Hall Skopje. The Chairman of the Board Damir Kuder presented the work of the club over the 

past year with an annual work report for 2011 and a work plan with a financial plan for 2012. Ambassador 

Brian Bergant had a welcome speech. 

The Faculty of Economics, University of Ljubljana was presented to members SMPK. The Faculty, in 2005 

started the consortium masters studies in Skopje for students from Macedonia and neighboring countries. 

This was the first postgraduate studies, which the Faculty of Economics in its entirety provided outside of 

Slovenia. The Dean of the Faculty, professor Dr. Dušan Mramor, presented the faculty in detail while 

professor Dr. Metka Tekavčič, Head of the Master's study program in Skopje presented the study program. 

In the second part of the event, prof. Mramor held a lecture on "Soft landing in the European Monetary 

Union and then – the case of Slovenia." 

7

Company Visits 

Working visit to Skopje Fair – ERA Group 


As a part of the regular visits to Slovenian companies, Ambassador Brian Bergant visited Skopje Fair – 

ERA Group. Welcomed by the Executive Directors, Daniela Gligorovski and Dejan Košutić that besides the 

presentation of the fairs activities, highlighted the following international fairs that are due to take place 

until the end of this year: Transport and Logistics Fair, Fair of metallurgy, electronics, and energy 

Tehnoma, agriculture, agricultural machinery and food fair Agrofood ITF, which will for the first time this 

year also include presentation of cuisine and the finance, business opportunities and economic 

development fair FinExpo. 

They expressed their satisfaction with this year's increased 

interest about the fairs, raising quality and the increasing 

number of domestic and foreign exhibitors. As highly 

successful, they evaluated the Tourism Fair, Skopje Travel 

Market 2012, and presented a project for congress tourism in 

Skopje. Skopje Fair, is planning to organize the International 

Motor Show AutoExpo and the Wine Fair, which will take place 

in May and November 2013. 

Working visit to KEMA Company in Skopje 


Ambassador Brian Bergant visited the Slovenian subsidiary 

company KEMA in Skopje. He was welcomed by the Technical 

Director Zoran Trošanski. 

KEMA doo Skopje has five employees. In 2011, the turnover 

increased by 60 percent, and this year they are 25 percent above 

the planned and assume that they will exceed one million euros of 

income. On the Macedonian market, KEMA sells all types of 

building materials. Trošanski presented the plans of the company 

and Ambassador Bergant offered assistance for the company if 

needed. 

Signing of the contract for building five small hydropower 

plants and water supply networks in the Bošava River 


Ambassador Brian Bergant attended the contract signing ceremony for building five small hydropower 

plants and waterworks scheme on the River Bošava that took place in Kavadarci. This is a public-private 

partnership between the public water supply company from Kavadarci and the Slovenian company 

Turboinštitut from Ljubljana. 

In addition to the building of the power plants, a complete reconstruction of the water supply system in 

Kavadarci will also be made. The main advantages for the city will be the acquisition of new water and 

improvement of the hydro potential of the area, the city will get a restored water supply and new 

electricity. Furthermore, the project will create new job opportunities. The main speakers at the signing 

were Director of Turboinštitut Dr. Vladimir Kercan, Mayor of the Municipality of Kavaradci Aleksandar 

Panev and Ambassador Brian Bergant. Ambassador Bergant highlighted the excellent references of the 

company Turboinštitut, the importance of green energy and the excellent political relations between the 

two countries. 

8

Presentation of 

Slovenian 

Companies 

Ljubljanske Mlekarne 

A company present for more than 10 years in Macedonia 

Ljubljanske mlekarne DOOEL Skopje, affiliated company of the Slovenian company Ljubljanske mlekarne, 

d. d., has been conducting business in Macedonia for already a year 

The importance of exports in the strategy of Ljubljanske mlekarne was one of the key factors for the 

decision of Ljubljanske mlekarne, d. d., to establish an affiliated company in Macedonia, which was 

founded in January 2011 and began operating on 1 June 2011. 

Beside sales, exports is the second most important pillar in the company, on which rests the economic 

efficiency of Ljubljanske mlekarne and which supports the basic strategic goal of the company – growth. In 

2010, Ljubljanske mlekarne realized EUR 147.2 million of net sales revenues, 22.8% of which in foreign 

markets. In 2010, the share of sales in the SE European markets increased compared to the year 2009, 

and Ljubljanske mlekarne wishes to keep this trend also in the future and increase it with an autonomous 

performance in the Macedonian market. 

Ljubljanske mlekarne have been present for more than 10 years in the Macedonian market, mainly with the 

brand Alpsko mleko, but in recent years presented also products by the affiliated company from Bosnia 

and Herzegovina – PPM Tuzla. 

The official opening of business premises in Skopje was held on 3 June 2011, where existing buyers, 

potential new business partners and media were invited. Mr Alain Brian Bergant, Slovenian ambassador in 

Macedonia, also answered the invitation. »The decision to establish an affiliated company was taken after 

careful consideration, and I think that we have chosen the right path and a team of motivated colleagues 

from Macedonia, who will endeavour to realize the vision of the new company: to be the consumer's first 

choice in buying milk and dairy products. Their mission is an excellent sales service for customers and 

consumers, « said Cvetana Rijavec, President of the Management Board of Ljubljanske mlekarne, d. d., at 

the opening ceremony. 

»With its affiliated company Ljubljanske mlekarne will be adequately represented in the Macedonian 

market and will be able to offer consumers a wider range of products – by Ljubljanske mlekarne as well as 

those by PPM Tuzla. Seven people are employed in our company which aims to generate EUR 6.5 million 

in revenues from sale in 2012. By highlighting our state-of-the-art technology, quality standards and 

product tastings we aim to attract the attention of as many consumers possible, to whom we offer products 

of the best quality for their money, and thus ensure that our customers remain satisfied and loyal,« said 

Nikola Madjarevski, Director of Ljubljanske mlekarne DOOEL Skopje. 

9

Message from 

Ambassador 

Bergant 

I International Charity Bazaar – Skopje 2012 

Dear friends, 

As the Honorary President of the DMWC International Charity Bazaar 2012 Committee I am happy to 

announce that building on the successful celebration of the previous year, Dobredojde Macedonia 

Welcome Centre (DMWC) will celebrate the International Children’s Day for the second year in a row. This 

year it will be celebrated together with the international community in the form of a charity bazaar that will 

at the same time be the first international charity bazaar organized in the Republic of Macedonia. This 

humanitarian event with multicultural and multiethnic character will be organised in cooperation with the 

diplomatic and consular representations in Skopje, EU Delegation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the 

Republic of Macedonia and the Municipality of Skopje Centre. 

The DMWC International Charity Bazaar 2012 will take place on Saturday, 9 June from 10:30 to 16:00, in 

front of the Army Hall and behind the Memorial House of Mother Theresa. As part of the programme, we 

will have several performances and art workshops by children and volunteers from various schools: NOVA, 

QSI, American School, Macedonian children’s orchestra MKUD “Cvetan Dimov”, Piano FORTE band, 

Bratstvo school, Sumnal Roma Center ,"St. Kiril and Metodije" Kuceviste and many others. 

It will be a good occasion to go out with your children and join us, knowing that besides having fun and 

spending quality time with your family, you will also be helping other families and their children, since all 

the collected funds will be donated to a project for children with special needs at "Idnina" Special 

Elementary School in Skopje to improve their facilities. We have selected this project in order to give these 

children better developmental and educational opportunities, thus, on the one hand, helping to realize their 

equal rights to development and education and, on the other hand, encouraging humanity in the society 

and promoting awareness of the responsibility to protect and help the children that need our help. 

In the afternoon there will be a lottery draw with many interesting prizes, including a bicycle, mobile 

phones, bank vouchers, wine and other prizes donated by Macedonian and international companies that 

work on the Macedonian market. We really hope you will join us and enjoy the diverse cultural programme 

specially created for you with the outstanding efforts of the international and Macedonian children and take 

an active part in the games and the lottery, and do some shopping at the national stands. All the money 

from your purchases will go directly to the fund for children with special needs in Macedonia. 

On 31 May at 7 p.m. everybody is welcome to the Art Exhibition and Sale of works by famous Macedonian 

artists who had donated their paintings to the bazaar through the “Bukefal” Gallery from Ohrid that will take 

place in the Gallery of the NLB Tutunska banka, Vodnjanska 1. Paintings from the Children's Art Workshop 

conducted by Žaneta Gelevska Veljanoska will be exhibited and sold there as well. 

Interacting with children and their parents from many different countries, you will have a unique possibility 

to experience valuable creative moments and to support a good cause. We’re striving to make the world a 

better place for our children, so why not spend some time and make the world better for those children who 

may not have the same opportunities? For us it may be a small step, but for these children it will mean a 

lot. I do hope our first DMWC International Charity Bazaar will become a tradition so that the Macedonian 

capital Skopje will join other world capitals that host similar events. 

Finally, I salute Dobredojde Macedonia Welcome Centre for organizing the first DMWC International 

Charity Bazaar 2012 in the Republic of Macedonia and thank all the embassies which decided to 

participate in this humanitarian event, as well the Municipality of Skopje Centre and all the Macedonian 

and international companies and all the volunteers for their support and donations. 

Mahatma Gandhi said: “Be the change you want to see in the world”. International Children’s Day is a 

perfect opportunity for making this change. The children are our future, so help them! I do believe that with 

joined forces we will succeed in helping the children with special needs as well as their parents and show 

them that there is a brighter and better future. 

So, let’s participate in the DMWC International Charity Bazaar 2012 and enjoy this important day together. 

See you on 9 June! 

Alain Brian Bergant 

Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia and 

Honorary President of the Charity Bazaar Committee 

1 0

Humanitarian 

Action 

Charity Bazaar 

Press conference for the I International Charity Bazaar 

Skopje 2012 


A press conference for the I International Charity Bazaar - Skopje 2012 was held at the conference hall of 

the Skopje Fair. The press conference was led by Alain Brian Bergant, Honorary President of the 

International Charity Bazaar with cooperation by the Vice-President Emilija Miladinova Avramčeva, 

president of NGO Dobredojde - Macedonia Welcome Centre, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of 

Netherlands Marriët Schuurman and Verica Andreevska from the Netherlands Embassy and Žaneta 

Gelevska Veljanovska, painter Ljupčo Župan, owner of the art Gallery Bukefal from Ohrid. 

The humanitarian project will be joined by local and international schools, including NOVA, QSI, American 

School, the Macedonian children's orchestra Cvetan Dimov, Piano Forte Band, Roma Centre Sumnal and 

many others, so that the event will be a multicultural and multiethnic colored. Teachers, volunteers and 

children will prepare several hours of cultural program with singing, theater and dance performances and 

children's art workshops. In the afternoon a lottery will be organized with grants contributed by a number of 

Macedonian, Slovenian and other foreign companies operating in the Macedonian market. 

Charity exhibition and sale of artworks 


A very successful charity art exhibition, where it was possible to buy 

artworks from more than 25 renowned Macedonian painters and artists 

and students of primary schools in Skopje, organized by the NGO 

"Dobredojde - Welcome Centre Macedonia" and art galleries Bukefal 

from Ohrid with the support of the Slovenian Embassy in Skopje, was 

held in the gallery of NLB Tutunska Bank in Skopje. The exhibition was 

opened by Ambassador and Honorary President of the International 

Charity Bazaar, Skopje 2012 Brian Bergant. 

The exhibition was joined by the painters and members of the 

Slovenian Association of France Preseren in Skopje Nataša 

Stankovska Zafirovska and Elena Alčeva. For showing good will, 

humanity and help, we sincerely thank them both. At the same time we 

would like to thank all artists who have generously contributed their 

works, thus allowing the realization of this event. 

1 1

Humanitarian 

Aid 

Completing of the campaign for collecting used clothing 

and shoes 


The campaign for collecting used clothing and shoes was successfully completed at the premises of the 

Shelter for the homeless of the Red Cross in Skopje. The collected clothes were taken by Suzana Tuneva 

Paunovska, secretary of the Red Cross of Skopje, Marina Mateska, program coordinator of the Red Cross 

and Dr. Jovan Krstevski, medic of the shelters. 

We thank everyone who participated in the campaign and in this way facilitate the life of one of the most 

vulnerable populations. In addition to the Embassy staff, the staff of NLB Tutunska Bank, Merkur 

Macedonia and KB First Pension Fund also participated in the campaign. Special thanks to the members 

of the Slovenian Association France Preseren in Skopje, members of the Slovenian Centre - Skopje, 

members of the Slovenian Association of Triglav from Bitola and members of the mixed choirs from 

Solkana, Lipa from Šempasa and the female choir Večernice from Ajdovščina, which on Saturday 5 May 

2012, performed in Skopje, and on this occasion they brought used clothes from Slovenia. 

Ambassador Brian Bergant on 17th November 2010, on behalf of the former Minister of Foreign Affairs of 

Slovenia Samuel Žbogar, gave a grant to the Shelter for the homeless from Slovenian companies, for 

purchasing equipment for the new Health station for the homeless in Skopje. On 8 June 2011, Sava 

INSURANCE organized a company day on which together with the Red Cross of Macedonia was 

dedicated to promoting the importance of first aid. On this occasion they donated automatic external 

defibrillators, neck braces and medications to the Health station for the homeless, while the staff 

participated in donating blood and with the two teams participated in the team competition of young people 

in first aid knowledge. 

“Go Pink 2012” – Campaign for fight against breast cancer 


Organized by the NGO Association for fight against breast 

cancer BORKA - for each new day, in cooperation with the 

NGO Integrity Alpha and Omega and the U.S. Embassy in 

Skopje, under the motto "Go Pink 2012 - march against breast 

cancer" on the streets of Skopje for the fourth year in a row a 

campaign and a symbolic march to raise the awareness of 

Macedonian public in the fight against breast cancer was held. 

The campaign aims to mobilize and involve people in the fight 

against this disease, regardless of religious, national and 

political affiliation. The President of the NGO BORKA and the 

main initiator of the movement Biba Dodeva expressed her 

satisfaction over the fact that the campaign each year attracts 

more and more people, and particularly highlighted the 

importance of regular examinations as the best possible way for 

prevention and successful treatment. Ambassador Bergant 

traditionally, this year also took part in the march. 

1 2

Culture 

Prof. Janez Koželj and architect from Studio Dekleva 

Gregorič Architects at XVI BIMAS 2012 


The XVI Biennale of Macedonian Architecture (BIMAS 2012) under the title „Architecture for everyday life“ 

organized by the Association of Architects of Macedonia took place in Skopje, from 3 - 14 May. 

One of the main guests was Professor Janez Koželj, who held a lecture at the City Museum about spatial 

and urbanism planning. Professor Koželj also had a meeting with professors and held a lecture for the 

students of the Faculty of Architecture and Design at the American College and FON University. Prof. 

Koželj, who is also a Deputy Mayor of the Municipality of Ljubljana was welcomed by the Mayor of Skopje 

Koce Trajanovski. 

At this years BIMAS, at the City Museum in Skopje, architects from Studio Dekleva Gregorič Architects 

presented themselves. Slovenia was a country partner on the XV BIMAS in 2010, when we were 

presented with the exhibition by Jože Plečnik – Architect in Ljubljana, Prague and Vienna and with the 

exhibition Modern Slovenian Architecture. 

Opening of the photo exhibition Fotografije from the 

Photo Club Maribor in the Cinematheque of Macedonia 


The photo exhibition from the Photo Club Maribor named Fotografije (Photographs) had its opening at the 

Cinemateque of Macedonia. The exhibition was organized by the photo club Elem from Skopje, in 

cooperation with the Cinemateque of Macedonia and with the support of the Photo association of 

Macedonia and the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia. The exhibition was opened until 13 May and one 

of its ongoing events was the 50th anniversary of the Photo Club Elem. 

The exhibition came as a result of the long cooperation between Photo Club Maribor and Photo Club Elem. 

At the same time with the presentation of the photos of the members of the Photo Club Maribor in Skopje, 

from the 4 of May 2012, photos from the Photo Club Elem will be presented in the library of the University 

of Maribor. The exhibition was officially opened by the Ambassador Brian Bergant. 

1 3

Culture 

Concert of Slovenian choirs 


Several choirs from Slovenia held a concert, which took place at the Association Dare Džambaz in Skopje. 

In cooperation with the Slovenian association France Prešeren from Skopje, at the concert led by the 

famous Slovenian conductor Miran Rustja, the Mixed choir from Solkan and Lipa from Šempas, as well as 

the female choir Večernice from Ajdovčina were presented. The programme was enriched by the Mixed 

choir, working under the Slovenian association France Prešeren, which is successfully lead by the famous 

conductor Tomislav Šopov. 

The President of the Association Anastazija Ribarski addressed the audience, emphasizing the precious 

role of the song, which connects different nationalities and countries. At the end, all the choirs sang some 

of the traditional Slovenian songs, as well as the traditional Macedonian song Bolen mi leži. The concert 

was attended by the Ambassador Brian Bergant. 

The members of the choirs from Slovenia joined the action of collecting used clothes and shoes for the 

Homeless people shelter in Skopje, which was organized by the Embassy. 

Final performance of the children’s choir in Skopje 


Under the guidance and accompaniment by Professor Marija 

Dokuzova, marking the end of the school year of music, the 

Slovenian Association France Preseren’s children singing choir 

from Skopje performed at the the premises of the Josip Broz 

Tito High School in Skopje. They performed Slovenian 

children's songs, which they have learned this school year. 

They were addressed and welcomed by the President of the 

Slovenian Association France Preseren Anastazija Ribarski. 

Laying flowers commemorating the day of the victory over 

Nacizm and Fascizm 


Ambassador Brian Bergant laid flowers in front of the monument 

Metodija Andonov Čento on Macedonia square in Skopje, 

commemorating the day of the Victory over Nazism and Fascism. 

Metodija Andonov Čento was a Macedonian national fighter, politician 

and first president of the Anti-fascist Assembly for National Liberation 

of Macedonia ASNOM and the Socialist Republic of 

Macedonia. Flowers were laid by his descendants, government 

delegation consisted of Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikola Poposki, 

Interior Minister Gordana Jankuloska and health minister Nikola 

Todorov, delegation of the Office of the President of the Republic, the 

Chief of Staff of the Macedonian Army Gorančo Koteski, Chairman of 

the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs Antonio Milošoski and 

others. 

1 4

Tourism 

Numerous plants owe their 

existence and survival to 

people. The thousand-year 

lasting cohabitation of human 

and nature has formed the 

landscape in the Julian Alps 

and also a living space for 

many plants. Without the 

diligent work of the local 

people the fields would be 

overgrown by forest, which 

would higher in the mountains 

turn into mountain pines and 

rocks – all the beautiful floral 

richness of meadows from the 

valley up to the mountains 

would be lost. 

Based on the native breed of 

cattle – the so called "cika", 

the cattle breeding required a 

respectful and well 

Sport 

considered use of what the 

nature provides. Due to a wet 

climate elaborate 

constructions had to be built – 

hayracks to dry hay and 

wooden hay barns to 

preserve the hay through the 

winter. The herdsmen on the 

high-pastures were dwelling 

in herdsmen huts in the 

mountains. 

All this gave the landscape 

around Bohinj a special 

character – a precious 

cultural landscape of 

immense beauty was formed, 

which the local people are 

justly proud of. 

For the preservation of the 

rich flora of Bohinj and the 

Alps in general, it is crucial to 

preserve the cultural 

landscape with extensive 

cattle breeding – with 

traditional ways of harvesting 

hay. 

B O H I N J 

Bohinj or Bohinj Basin is a 20 km long and 5 km wide basin within the Julian Alps, in the Upper 

Carniola region of northwestern Slovenia. It is traversed by the Sava Bohinjka river. Its main feature is the 

periglacial Lake Bohinj (Slovene: Bohinjsko jezero). Bohinj is part of the eponymous municipality, the 

centre of which is located at Bohinjska Bistrica. 

France Prešeren, Slovenia's leading poet, wrote an epic poem Krst pri Savici (Christening at Savica) that is 

largely fictional, but depicts the time of violent baptism of pagans and battles between the Christians and 

pagans. Most of the story takes place in Bohinj and in Bled. 

Bohinj began opening up for tourists years ago, with natural attractions being the biggest draw. 

Bohinj has become a starting point for tourists for day trips, for walks on the trails that run throughout the 

valley, and for mountaineering and climbing tours. It is also associated with the nearby Bohinj Railway, 

which includes the Bohinj Tunnel. 

In winter the valley becomes a winter sports centre for skiers, snowboarders, ice climbers, as well as ice 

skaters on Lake Bohinj. During the summer, Lake Bohinj is frequented by swimmers and with the Sava 

Bohinjka River, kayakers and fishermen as well. Biking, trekking and climbing are also typical tourist 

activities in the area. 

Not many regions in the Alps can boast a more diverse flora than the area of Bohinj! This relatively small 

area is characterised byseveral altitudinal belts up to the highest peaks reaching far above the forest 

line. Vast forests, fields, mountain meadows andvarious wetlands – from the shore of Lake Bohinj to 

the high moors ... all this gives an attentive nature lover a chance to experience unforgettable beauties and 

discoveries. 

The richness of flora also invites butterflies and bees. Bohinj and its surrounding areas are a wonderful 

place for watching butterflies flying from blossom to blossom and for the apiculture, which has a long 

tradition here. 

The International Wild Flower 

Festival is also intended for 

the search of a way for a 

harmony of human and 

nature in the future – so that 

even our children will be able 

to admire the enchanting 

blooming fields. 

8 

1 50

Upcoming events: 

9 June – I. International Charity Bazaar – Skopje 2012 

Embassy of the 

Republic of Slovenia 

Vodnjanska No. 42 

1000 Skopje 

Republic of Macedonia 

vsk@gov.si 

www.skopje.embassy.si 

Follow us on Facebook: 

Slovenian Embassy Skopje 

T: (+) 389 2 310 30 41/55 

F: (+) 389 2 317 66 31 

21 June - Reception on the occasion of the National Day of the Republic of Slovenia 

25 June – Slovenian National Day – Statehood Day 

The monthly e-newsletter Bridges is produced by the Embassy of Slovenia in Skopje and is available on 

http://skopje.veleposlanistvo.si. 

You are most welcome to send us your comments or request for a subscription on: vsk@gov.si. 

Editor: Mario Stanković 

Co-Editor: Andreja Iljaž 

Skopje, May 2012

Newsletter May 2012

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