The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, sent a congratulation note to the members of the Vlach community in the Republic of Macedonia on the occasion of May 23, National Day of Vlachs.

This holiday is a reminder of the centuries-old aspiration of the Vlachs for preserving, fostering and promoting their own language, culture and identity. The recognition of Vlachs as a separate nation in the distant 1905 was facing the fact of the many centuries' existence, presence and contribution of Vlachs in this region.

The Vlach community, with its diligence, rich culture and commitment to the common good of the homeland is an inseparable part of the history of the existence of our country. From Ilinden and the Krusevo Republic, through the National Liberation struggle and ASNOM Macedonia, until the third Ilinden and the declaration of Macedonian independence and sovereignty.

Respect for ancestors and obligation to descendants to preserve the Vlach language, culture and tradition. Therefore, guided by the Macedonian model of coexistence and respect for diversity, the Republic of Macedonia creates conditions for exercising the right of self-identification of Vlachs, as the basis of human rights and the right to human dignity. Only Vlachs can tell who they are, and nobody else can speak on their behalf.

Remembering gladly the achievements of the past, the views of this generation must be directed to the future and to the creation of appropriate conditions for the future generations. Together, we will continue to create a European and Euro-Atlantic Macedonia open to neighbors and the world, economically strong and developed, in which everyone will have chance for personal and collective progress.

On this note, I congratulate all members of the Vlach community in the Republic of Macedonia this holiday.

Dr. Gjorge Ivanov