President Stevo Pendarovski addressed the reception, which was held yesterday evening in Skopje, on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of North Macedonia and the French Republic.
President Pendarovski assessed that the establishment of diplomatic relations, at a time of exceptional political and security turbulence, was an additional confirmation of the decisive establishment of our country in the international family of nations.
Below is the full text of President Pendarovski’s address.
Distinguished Mr. Ambassador of the French Republic,
Respected Excellences,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Dear friends,
This evening, we have gathered together to mark the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two friendly countries – the Republic of North Macedonia and the French Republic.
Thirty years is not much even in an ordinary life span of man, not so much in relations between states. Otherwise, this number can in some way deceive us. Namely, the Macedonian-French ties, especially on the cultural level, have much deeper roots. In these areas, the French language was perceived as the main vector of cultural-civilizational values, freedom and progress.
At the time of revival, the ideals of the French Revolution were the guiding ideas of a whole host of Macedonian revolutionaries who dreamed, worked and died for the creation of an independent state in which the Macedonian people and other ethnic communities and every citizen, regardless of ethnic and religious affiliation, could live in dignity and freedom, together with all the other peoples in Europe.
With the civilized way in which it achieved its independence in a peaceful way, North Macedonia confirmed that it is worthy among the heirs – guardians of European values, based on the French vision of freedom, equality and fraternity. Several prominent French intellectuals and politicians, from Robert Badenter to Jacques Chirac, regardless of their ideological positioning, knew how to recognize that European dimension that in its very essence contained and still contains the new state in the Balkans.
The establishment of diplomatic relations with the French Republic, at a time of exceptional political and security turbulence that we were facing, was an additional confirmation of the decisive establishment of North Macedonia in the international family of nations.
During all these past 30 years, France has been our companion for better and for worse. Along the way, there were ups and downs, there were exaltations and disappointments. However, our determination for full integration in the European Union, in the face of all difficulties and challenges, was and is a constant. We expect France, as a country that has invested so much in the construction of the common European home, but also in the Macedonian part of the common vision for a united Europe, to continue, as it has until now, to support us on this long journey.
The current geopolitical moment, created by the Russian aggression against Ukraine, but also by the ongoing geopolitical shifts on a global level, which simply impose on Europe the imperative for complete unification, is an opportunity to redouble efforts and for even greater commitment in the attainment of the common goal.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Friendship between states and peoples, as well as between individuals, is a virtue that must be constantly cultivated in order to survive. Let us remain committed to maintaining close relations and cooperation between North Macedonia and the French Republic.
May this gathering of ours tonight, at the end of a difficult year in Europe, show that we know how to appreciate true values! They are also the best bet for overcoming problems and for joint progress in the years ahead.
Thank you.
