Distinguished Mr. President,
It is a great pleasure, on the occasion of 9th of May, Europe Day, on behalf of the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia, as well as on my personal behalf, to extend cordial greetings and sincere wishes for prosperity of the European Union and our common home – Europe.

As we mark the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of the European Union, I believe that we need to remember the pledges engraved in the historic Maastricht Treaty. Two decades ago, the European leadership confirmed its “attachment to the principles of liberty, democracy and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms and of the rule of law”, while at the same time “desiring to deepen the solidarity between their peoples while respecting their history, their culture and their traditions”. Over the past decades, these ideals have brought peace, hope and unity to our continent, to the region of South Eastern Europe and to the Republic of Macedonia and its multi-ethnic, multi-religious and multi-linguistic society.

Bearing in mind the power of European idea to pacify and unify, I avail myself of this solemn occasion to express our gratitude for the support and guidance the European Union has given the Republic of Macedonia on its path towards European integration. “This Europe remains open to all nations. We profoundly hope that other nations will join us in our common endeavor,” reads the Europe Declaration signed by the founding fathers of United Europe in 1951. I want to assure you Mr. President that, despite numerous and unjust setbacks, Macedonian citizens remain committed to attaining the dream of becoming a member of the progressive European family of Nations. I look forward to see the day when my country becomes a full-fledged member of the European Union, with shared rights and responsibilities. I strongly hope that in the forthcoming period we can begin the negotiations for membership in the European Union. In this process we do not seek privileges, but the same criteria that applied for other member-states of the Union. This would certainly benefit not only my country, but the region and Europe as a whole.

With such a conviction and with most sincere wishes for future professional successes, good health and personal happiness, I convey to you the assurances of my highest consideration.

Dr. Gjorge Ivanov