President Gjorge Ivanov handed over the villa Vodno residence to Stevo Pendarovski in a brief ceremony today afternoon.

Ivanov welcomed Pendarovski with military honors in the official residence and had na short meeting with him, after which they were joined by the official staff, some of whom may be retained by Pendarovski. Pendarovski will begin his mandate in the office by meeting the foreign dignitaries who attended his inauguration, including the presidents of Bulgaria, Albania, Serbia and Kosovo.

The Ivanov family posted a farewell picture from the entrance of the villa, which still bears the name Republic of Macedonia – a sign which Pendarovski will likely replace soon.