Friday, 8 February 2013, Washington
PRESIDENT VELJANOSKI MET CONGRESSMAN ROBERT ADERHOLT AND ADDRESSED THE LEADERS LUNCHEON IN WASHINGTON
The President of the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia Mr. Trajko Veljanoski, who is visiting Washington, today met Congressman Robert Aderholt. Their first meeting took place during President Veljanoski’s previous visit to the United States in 2009.
Mr. Veljanoski and Mr. Aderholt discussed various issues, including the strategic partnership between the U.S.A and the Republic of Macedonia, the Euro-Atlantic integration of the country, and the resolution of the name dispute with the southern neighbor.
President Veljanoski reiterated the attitude of the Republic of Macedonia that the criteria for integration of the country in these structures should be the same as for the other countries. After the meeting they both went to the leaders lunch that is part of the activities associated with the National Prayer Breakfast, organised by the U.S. President Barack Obama.
President Veljanoski addressed the dignitaries present at the luncheon, as did Congressmen Robert Aderholt and Lincoln Davis, other congressmen, leaders and representatives of other countries. The luncheon was dedicated to the cooperation among the nations and to the spiritual and religious values such as forgiveness and tolerance.
“During my visit I met with several members of the House and Representatives and the Senate of the United States of America, as well as with representatives of nations from around the world.
My country, the Republic of Macedonia, is a country that believes in and promotes tolerance and respect of the ethnic, cultural and religious differences. Macedonia is a country where Christians, Muslims, Jews and members of other religions live together. We have churches, mosques, synagogues and other religious objects one next to another.
The Republic of Macedonia is a country that has a name, identity and history and is part of the family of nations, and we ask that the rules and principle valid for the other countries are applied to our country too. I come from our capital Skopje, the city where Mother Teresa was born. Four years ago we opened the Mother Teresa Memorial House that reminds the thousands of people that visit it what it means to be a leader and to serve the people. I hope that all of us, regardless of our profession or origin, will have Mother Teresa as inspiration in our lives, our behavior and our actions”, pointed out President Veljanoski in his address at the luncheon.