The Secretary-General met today with high officials of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, including H.E. Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, President; H.E. Mr. Nikola Gruevski, Prime Minister; H.E. Nikola Poposki, Minister of Foreign Affairs; and H.E. Mr. Trajko Veljanoski, President of the Assembly.

President Ivanov and the Secretary-General exchanged views on regional developments in the Western Balkans, including Skopje’s presidency of the South-East European Cooperation Process. The Secretary-General commended President Ivanov for his regional leadership and the steps the country has taken, with its neighbours, in addressing disaster risk.

During his meeting with Prime Minister Gruevski, the Secretary-General emphasized the UN family’s continued support to the Government's efforts to meet the challenges of a multi-ethnic state.

The Secretary-General and the President of the Assembly discussed gender equality and the importance of Parliamentarians as the direct voice of citizens.

During his meeting with Foreign Minister Poposki, the Secretary-General stated that concerted efforts were required to reach a legally-binding agreement on climate change by 2014.

In all of his meetings, the Secretary-General stressed that he and his Personal Envoy, Mr. Matthew Nimetz, stand ready to work with the parties and recommended intensifying the efforts to find a permanent solution to the “name” issue.