The Prime Minister of Macedonian, whose official title in his country is "President of the Government of Macedonia," arrived for his first official visit to Israel only two months after the visit of the President of Macedonia. Prime Minister Gruevski came to the traditional olive tree planting ceremony for heads of state following a meeting with President Shimon Peres at his official residence.
After unveiling the stone plaque bearing the PM's name, which took its place in the row of plaques amongst the names of other distinguished heads of states who have already planted olive trees in this unique forest, the entourage gathered for a brief but joyful ceremony, expertly emceed by KKL-JNF's Head of Protocol & VIP Ceremonies, Andy Michelson, in the tent especially erected against the rain.
KKL-JNF Deputy Chairman Igal Yasinov praised Macedonia's participation in the special international anti-terror unit and praised the warm friendship that Macedonia and its citizen have demonstrated towards Israel. "Planting an olive tree in the mountains of Jerusalem means that you, Mr. Prime Minister, are now a partner in building the State of Israel."
In reply, the Prime Minister thanked KKL-JNF. "I am very grateful to be amongst the heads of state that you have honored by planting a tree here. In Macedonia, we are used to planting trees and we have an annual 'Arbor day' and last year, on that day, the citizens of Macedonia planted 7.5 million trees in one day!"