Skopje, January 29 (MIA) - President Gjorge Ivanov received Friday credentials of newly-appointed ambassador of Algeria, Hamrui Habib Shauki - based in Bucharest - and new ambassador of India, Divyabh Manchanda, based in Sofia.

The new Algerian ambassador Shauki pledged to focus his service on strengthening the relations between Algeria and Macedonia, Ivanov's cabinet said in a press release.

The President said Macedonia highly appreciated that Algeria used the constitutional name of the country in bilateral relations and internationally, stressing it contributed to further advancement of bilateral ties.

The new Indian ambassador Manchanda said India and Macedonia were fostering cordial and friendly relations in all spheres of cooperation. The ambassador said India was familiar with Macedonia's aspirations and steps made towards further integration into Euro-Atlantic structures, voicing support for country's efforts, reads the press release.

President Ivanov stated that both countries shared a wide range of opportunities and common willingness for further development of friendly relations and cooperation. He went on to say that amongst other things Macedonia and India were connected by Mother Teresa, hence both countries were obliged to preserve and cherish the memory of her, reads the press release. ba/fd/17:58

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