The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, today in the Congress Centre in Ohrid, attended the opening ceremony of the 8th Macedonian - North American Conference, organized by the University “Ss. Cyril and Methodius” - Skopje. The conference was opened with the introductory words by the Rector of the University “Ss. Cyril and Methodius”, Professor Dr. Velimir Stojkovski.

Academician Victor Friedman, recognized for his dedication and affirmation of Macedonia, promoted the Anthology of last year’s 7th Macedonian - North American Conference. President Ivanov appraised the continuing efforts of academician Friedman for affirmation of the Macedonian language, literature and culture.

The 8th Macedonian-North American Conference unifies many linguists and researchers from Macedonia, Europe and North America dealing with the specificities of the Macedonian language, who will, in the course of the following two days of the conference, present their professional views and research results related to the Macedonian language, literature, archeology, culture. The focus of the conference will also be the linguistic, literary, cultural and ethnic ties between Macedonia and the North American entities.

President Ivanov welcomed and talked with the conference participants, wishing them successful and fruitful work and cooperation in the future. He also stressed that such academic and scientific gatherings provide an extremely valuable contribution to the strengthening, preservation and affirmation of the Macedonian language, literature and culture.