Distinguished Attendees,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Dear Friends,

It gives me special honor that today we are witnessing the opening of the "Confucius" Institute within the Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, in cooperation with the Southwest University of Finance and Economics in Chengdu, People's Republic of China.

Today, the Republic of Macedonia and the Ss. Cyril and Methodius University join the global network of "Confucius" institutes, a network that encompasses more than 320 "Confucius" institutes in more than 90 countries worldwide.

Together with the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China, H.E. Mr. Zhiwei, we have initiated the opening of this important institute. Still fresh is the remembrance of our first meeting, when this idea was born, which today becomes a reality. Aware of the importance of this joint venture, I avail myself of this solemn occasion, to extend my gratitude to the Ambassador and all our friends from the People's Republic of China for their overall engagement and commitment.

Distinguished Attendees,

The opening of the "Confucius" Institute builds upon one of my initiatives from the university days. Recognizing the importance of the Chinese philosophical and political thought, for the first time, my colleagues and I, introduced Confucius in the Political Studies' program at the Faculty of Law "Justinian I". Thus, we have corrected the Eurocentric approach in the studies and brought closer to the students the political wisdom and thought from the Far East, from China.

If that was only an academic approximation, then the opening of the "Confucius" Institute shall be the link between our students, teachers, citizens and everything that means Chinese civilization contribution.

The Institute opens doors not only for active learning of the Chinese language, but also for learning of the Chinese culture, tradition and philosophy. This cooperation foresees joint research projects, exchange of visiting professors and students, joint organization of scientific conferences and workshops, collaboration and exchange of publications, university journals, etc.

This institute is yet another indicator of the excellent friendly relations between the two countries. The Republic of Macedonia attaches great importance to the development of its relations with the People's Republic of China. There is a continuous political dialogue at the highest level that contributes to even greater enhancement and deepening of the relations and cooperation between the two countries.

Esteemed Excellencies,

Many of us can be teachers, but a teacher is only the one that is accepted as such by the people. Confucius is one of those great teachers of the people. That is the reason why he is called even today a supreme teacher, master and wise man.

Our two friendly nations have one thing in common and that is the ability to recognize and value real people's teachers. In the case of the People's Republic of China, it is Confucius and his disciples. In the case of the Republic of Macedonia, it is Ss. Cyril and Methodius and their disciples, St. Clement and Naum of Ohrid.

The parallel between the teachers of these two nations does not end here. As Confucius formed the school that continued his work, Ss. Cyril and Methodius sowed the seed which sprouted the Ohrid Literary School, as the first Slavic university in the world.

The lectures of the teachers of these two nations went beyond the space, stood the test of time, beat prejudice and became part of world wisdom.

I will give just one example. Asked if there is one word that would be a guide to man throughout his life, Confucius said: "Reciprocity. Never impose on others what you would not choose for yourself!" the Silver Rule of Confucius is present in our society as a Golden Rule, which says: "One should treat others as one would like to be treated!" A rule that St. Clement upgraded, advising us to compete in goodness. There is something similar in the philosophy of Confucius, who said that good deeds for others spring from the good thoughts that come from good knowledge.

This institute is fulfillment of the covenant to this great teacher and a door in Macedonia for a better knowledge of Confucius.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

At the end, I wish our teachers, our students and associates, in this world that is constantly changing, to find a stronghold in the teachings of Confucius. Teaching that has transcended, by its value and universality, the boundaries of the People's Republic of China and has become one of the pillars of world wisdom.

Thank you.