Macedonian President Gjorgje Ivanov received an honorary doctorate at the Cumhuriyet University in Sivas, Turkey on Friday.
According to the official press release, the Rector of the University Prof. Dr. Alim Yıldız awarded the doctorate to President Ivanov at a formal ceremony, which was followed by Ivanov holding a lecture on the founder of the Republic of Turkey and its first President, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, and his connection to Macedonia.
Our country, President Ivanov said, was where Atatürk forged his character.
"Macedonia," Ivanov said, "is not only his birthplace but also the place that formed his worldview, his character, and his beliefs."
"Atatürk learned the importance of coexistence in Macedonia. He learned Macedonian values, such as acceptance of others, and then he put them into practice in Turkey."
As part of his visit, Ivanov met with the Mayor and the Governor of Sivas. Tomorrow he will participate in the Global Leaders Forum in Istanbul.
