The President of the Government of the Republic of Macedonia, Mr Nikola Gruevski, in Ohio, USA, handed the Order of the Republic of Macedonia to Mr George W. Bush, 43rd President of the United States of America.

The former president was decorated by the President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr Gjorge Ivanov, for the great contribution in building friendly relations between Republic of Macedonia and the United States.

Order of the Republic of Macedonia is awarded to the most outstanding persons who have special merits in achieving the sovereignty and independence of the Republic of Macedonia, which have contributed to the development and strengthening of cooperation and friendly relations with other countries and contributed to the affirmation of the country in all spheres of social life.