On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Macedonia and the Republic of Turkey on August 26, 1992, the President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, sent a letter to the President of the Republic of Turkey, Abdullah Gul. Please find below the integral text of the letter.

Distinguished Mr. President, Dear Friend,
It gives me great honor and huge pleasure, on the occasion of the 20th anniversary since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Macedonia and the Republic of Turkey, on August 26, 1992, on behalf of the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia and on my personal behalf, to convey expressions of respect and appreciation, as well as the desire to share with you the importance of this date for our two countries.

The establishment of diplomatic relations between our two friendly countries happened in a turbulent time, in a period when the new reality in the Balkans, the new independent state, the Republic of Macedonia, was questioned, contested and denied. Looking back into these two decades, today we are aware of the significance of your country’ move, which facilitated the process of international recognition of the statehood, independence and wider affirmation of the Republic of Macedonia in the international community.

I am pleased to say that we leave behind us twenty years in which the overall relations and cooperation between the two friendly countries have been in continuity and successfully built, promoted and deepened. Today, the relations are characterized by exceptionally high political level and developed cooperation in many areas, established legal framework of bilateral documents, spirit of friendship, mutual understanding and respect, and shared economic interests with a common imperative for further strengthening. Therefore, today, I would like to stress particularly the high appreciation and gratitude we have for the strong and principled support we receive wholeheartedly from the friendly Turkey in meeting our strategic goals, membership in NATO, the EU and in building the Republic of Macedonia as a modern democracy in which coexistence, dialogue and respect for diversity is a reality.

Distinguished Mr. President,
For these benefits, of utmost importance is the political dialogue at all levels. I want to assure you that in the spirit of the established friendship, I am ready, along with you, to further contribute to the strengthening of the relations and cooperation between our two countries.

At the end, I wish you and the citizens of the Republic of Turkey further successes. I wish you personally good health, personal happiness and success in the execution of the exceptionally responsible function. Anticipating the next opportunity to meet you again, please accept the assurances of my highest consideration.

Dr. Gjorge Ivanov