Distinguished Attendees,
Esteemed Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Dear Friends,
Brothers and Sisters Macedonians,

Great is the pleasure to be here today in friendly Canada, among fellow countrymen and among our Canadian friends. I am here to convey heartfelt regards from our common homeland, the Republic of Macedonia.

At the same time, I would like to express my thankfulness to the organization "United Macedonians" for this recognition that bears the name of Metodija Andonov-Cento, known as the first President of independent Macedonia. I accept this recognition with pride and honor, not only on my behalf, but on behalf of the Republic of Macedonia and the Macedonian citizens, for everything that we do to protect, enhance and promote human rights respect.

This recognition is even more meaningful because we receive it in a year of important anniversaries related to human rights and freedoms.

This year marks the 65th anniversary since the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which begins with the statement that "the recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world".

60 years ago, the European Convention on Human Rights was endorsed, which serves as inspiration for a number of human rights protection mechanisms worldwide. 15 years ago, in Strasbourg the European Court of Human Rights was established - the first international court where European citizens can seek protection of their rights against their own countries.

Distinguished Attendees,

No one should ever compromise when it comes to the basic human rights and dignity. Neither should we, the Macedonians. We are obliged to this not only by the international conventions and institutions, but also by the profound Macedonian tradition of coexistence, Macedonian commitment to tolerance and respect for diversity.

Tonight we are gathered in the temple dedicated to St. Clement, a great people's saint, educator and reformer of the 10th century, who has fought, through his activity, for the right of the people to speak, read and write in their own language. We can say that he and his teachers, Cyril and Methodius, are the initiators of what we call today the right to education in one's own language.

11 centuries later, in April 1941, in a time when the Macedonian nation did not have a state yet, and was faced with a policy of assimilation, exactly the right of own language was defended by Metodija Andonov-Cento with the following words: "Neither you nor any other can prevent us or our children, here or at home and in the classes, to speak our native Macedonian language, because we are Macedonians, and our children are Macedonian children. We, the Macedonians, have our own language and our children have the right to speak in their native language everywhere".

Dear Friends,

Each generation has its own struggle. The struggle of St. Clement was with illiteracy, ignorance and spiritual and intellectual blindness. The struggle, however, of Metodija Andonov-Cento was for a free, independent democratic Macedonian state.

Macedonians in the Republic of Macedonia and abroad have nowadays knowledge and literacy. We also have an independent Macedonian state. There is, however, spiritual unity of the Macedonians as part of a free Europe and a free world. I am particularly glad that friendly Canada is part of the free world in which the Macedonian community is respected and socially appreciated.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Almost two millennia ago, as it is stated in the Bible, it is exactly through Macedonia that Christianity was spread in Europe. Today, we mark a golden anniversary - 50 years since the first Macedonian Church was established in Canada. A jubilee which is a confirmation that you, the members of the Macedonian Diaspora, have brought with you in Canada your values, beliefs and traditions as a contribution to this wonderful country that has become your second homeland.

Macedonia and Canada have many things in common. We share the same values. Both democracies apply similar model of integration without assimilation, a model that implies nurturing of cultural, ethnic and religious diversity. Our two countries promote tolerance and dialogue among citizens and among the peoples of the world.

Through their dedication and diligence, you contribute to the strengthening of the excellent bilateral relations between Macedonia and Canada. Binding the best of both cultures, the Macedonian community is the bridge that connects the two countries. I encourage you to further contribute to the welfare and prosperity of Canadian society. You are the ones that provide quality and content in the relations between the two countries. Remember that you are the image of Macedonia in Canada.

Dear Friends,

As President of the Republic of Macedonia, meeting expatriates wherever I go, I ascertain that among the countries in the world, Macedonia has friends, partners and supporters. But, above all, Macedonia has its Diaspora, which is an inseparable part of it, just as Macedonia is part of the life of the Diaspora.

I know that we share the same desires and visions for our common homeland, Macedonia. I call upon you all that we should be united under the motto: we shall live in Macedonia as we create it. And our wish is to have a more prosperous, more advanced, European and Euro-Atlantic Macedonia. Let us create Macedonia as a country open to foreign investment, advanced technologies, entrepreneurship and innovation. Country in which the economic growth, development and success are based on personal responsibility, professionalism and dedication. I urge that we should together build Macedonia in height, with the highest standards, criteria and values. We are obliged to this by our ancestors, but, above all, we are obliged by our children who are our future.

I reiterate, you are part of Macedonia. You live with the reality of Macedonia. It is the right to vote that enables you to do so.

Brothers and Sisters,

The doors of our common home, Macedonia, are always open to you. The bond between the homeland and the Diaspora is a value that has to be cherished. I am convinced that this relationship will be further maintained and strengthened.

Thank you.