The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, on the occasion of November 22 - Day of the Albanian Alphabet, sent a congratulation note to the members of the Albanian community in the Republic of Macedonia.

Respected fellow citizens,

Today marks the day of the creation of the Albanian alphabet. This day is considered one of the key events for self-identification and promotion of the Albanian national thought. The identity of the people is closely linked to the continuity of tradition. The unification and standardization of the alphabet is one of the basic elements that forge cultural and collective consciousness. Fostering the linguistic and cultural heritage leaves a lasting testimony to the cultural and national character.

The conclusions of the Bitola Congress, which approved the Latin letters with some amendments adapted to the peculiarities of the Albanian language, show that the right and duty of every nation is to cultivate and promote the tradition, considering the language the greatest spiritual wealth.

Opportunities for education and creation in the native language are values that strengthen the cultural pluralism in the country.

On this occasion, I would like to congratulate the day of the alphabet to the members of the Albanian ethnic community in the Republic of Macedonia, and tell all the citizens that the literary heritage and continuity of tradition are obligations that must be fulfilled for the sake of a prosperous future and coexistence among all the citizens in the Republic of Macedonia.

Dr. Gjorge Ivanov