Distinguished Attendees,
Esteemed Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a great honor and pleasure for me to greet you and to extend my gratitude for the hospitality. The honor is even greater, since this year, our two friendly countries, are celebrating a significant anniversary - 20 years of establishment of diplomatic relations. 20 years of friendship between the Republic of Macedonia and the People's Republic of China.

This significant anniversary gives us the opportunity to look back and summarize the results achieved so far. Yet, even more importantly, this jubilee allows us to project future cooperation between the two friendly countries.

Distinguished Attendees,

Over the years, our bilateral relations have developed at different pace. Notwithstanding, as the famous master Confucius says: "It does not matter how slow you go, as long as you do not to stop". We have not stopped, thus, the cooperation between the two countries is now at its highest development level, both in the political and in the economic sphere.

People's Republic of China is one of the closest partners of the Republic of Macedonia. The cooperation between our two countries is marked with a trend of consolidation and intensification, which is also seen in the frequent highest level meetings.

Fundamentals for cooperation are found in the shared values of both cultures. Today we are here, in the Hall of Peace at the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries. Exactly peace and peaceful policy are the guiding motives of these two countries. Each in its own way, the Republic of Macedonia and the People's Republic of China, contribute to building and maintaining world peace.

The two friendly countries support each other at multilateral level, in the foreign political activities and applications for international organizations, their bodies and organs.

Esteemed Excellencies,

As one of the global economy drivers, the People's Republic of China today is an inspiration to many countries worldwide. Competitiveness of the Chinese economy, numerous and significant Chinese investment and openness for economic cooperation is proven with the "Warsaw Initiative". The Republic of Macedonia has recognized and accepted the support offered by the Chinese government to develop its infrastructure.

The opportunities for economic cooperation between the Republic of Macedonia and the People's Republic of China are inexhaustible. We have good experience in the field of energy, however, we need to expand and deepen it in other fields, such as agriculture and Chinese direct investment.
Political and economic cooperation are complemented by cultural cooperation. Not long ago, I had the pleasure to open the "Confucius Institute" within the "Ss. Cyril and Methodius" University in Skopje. An Institute that will further bring these friendly nations together.

The Republic of Macedonia remains a reliable Chinese partner in the region of Southeast Europe. Macedonia's economy is open to Chinese investment. Macedonian citizens remain committed to building friendly relationships with Chinese people.

Dear Friends,

Historically, we are at the very beginning of bilateral relations between our two friendly countries. Relations that in the future will only be deepened and advanced. May we celebrate the next great anniversary with even greater cooperation and common prosperity for all of us.

Long live the friendship between the Republic of Macedonia and the People's Republic of China!

Thank you.