SKOPJE – The first President of North Macedonia Stevo Pendarovski officially took office on Sunday, saying he will be the President of all citizens, no matter if they voted for him or not.
In his first public speech as a President, he pointed out that North Macedonia has good relations with all neighbours which is “very important bearing in mind its geographical position and the structure of the citizens.”
He stated that he will be devoted to national interests and to increasing diplomatic activities, so the country could become a member of NATO and start its EU accession process towards as soon as possible.
The inauguration took part in Macedonian Sobranie, where Pendarovski gave an official statement in front of the Government and Parliaments members, diplomatic corps, religious leaders and foreign guests.
The President of European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker, EU High Representative Federica Mogherini, EU Commissioner Johannes Hahn and Secretary General of NATO Jens Stoltenberg did not attend the ceremony even though they have been invited as media previously reported.
President of Bulgaria Rumen Rade, President of Albania Ilir Meta, President of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić and Kosovo’s Presidents, Hashim Thaçi, attended the inauguration, as well as ministers of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro and Greece Srđan Darmanović and Jorgos Katrugalos, Deputy of Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey Faruk Kajmaki attended the inauguration.
Pendarovski is the first president of North Macedonia since the country changed the name and the fifth one since its independence.