The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, on the occasion of September 8, the Independence Day of the Republic of Macedonia, sent a congratulation message to the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia.

Respected citizens of the Republic of Macedonia,

On September 8, 1991, we attained the centuries-old aspiration for a free and independent Macedonian state. Voting for the independence and sovereignty of the Republic of Macedonia, we repaid to our brave ancestors and committed ourselves to our descendants.

Freedom and independence were not given to us. From the first day of independence, as a country, we are faced with double standards, the challenge to move along an unmarked road, where the rules of international relations and international law do not apply to us. But we do not give up and never stood up our goal - to build a secure, stable, democratic and developed European and Euro-Atlantic Macedonia, open to its neighbors and to the world. We build Macedonia as a country of social justice, solidarity and prosperity of individual and community life. We nurture the centuries-old tradition of coexistence, acceptance and respect for diversity.

Besides external, we are faced with internal challenges. The political crisis has reminded us that with sovereignty comes responsibility. It reminds us of the importance of maintaining dialogue in the institutions that we have created, whose representatives are democratically elected. It remains, through dialogue and cooperation, to build the confidence necessary to achieve the shared goals and visions. Since, only united and with mutual trust, we will be everywhere and always stronger.
Today, throughout the Republic of Macedonia, a river of migrants passes. In the tragic present of the migrants, we recognize our sad past. While we are humane to the people fleeing the destroyed societies and collapsed states, we should be grateful of what we have - our own country.

Maintaining independence is our duty, no matter what the time brings. There will be challenges, but we will overcome them in togetherness. We have energy for many new ventures. Let us make Macedonia economically strong and developed. A country in which young people can get quality education, work and conditions to form families and have children. Together may we acquire new knowledge, bring new technology and new investments in Macedonia, open new markets for Macedonian products, new spaces for Macedonian authors, more jobs and a better quality life in Macedonia.

We can only achieve this in unity and with responsibility, which we are reminded of by today's big day.

Congratulations on September 8, Independence Day of the Republic of Macedonia!

Dr. Gjorge Ivanov