Dear students,

It gives me great pleasure, as President of the Republic of Macedonia, to be the patron of this event which, rewarding the efforts, contributes to the establishment of high quality engineering youth.

12 centuries ago, here at Plaosnik, St. Clement founded the first Slavic university in the world. He believed in the power of knowledge. He believed that only literate people can acknowledge the truth that will set them free.

Today we are gathered here, at Plaosnik, because we, and our spiritual ancestors, believe in the power of knowledge. We believe that the first and primary goal of science is without prejudice to interpret the language of nature. Through education, science leads to understanding, and understanding leads us to the truth that liberates.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Contemporary global and inter-connected world heroes are no longer present in the battlefields but in university auras, laboratories and technological parks. Scientists and engineers are the real drivers of progress of every country and the world in general.

Today, I would like to renew to you, the most successful and most dedicated young engineers, that we live in the most exciting time for science, engineering and technology. Time when the Republic of Macedonia is fully and with dedication engaged in the global race for knowledge, innovations and creations.

The success of this race is measured in the number of new technologies, inventions, patents and solutions. Measured in the level of technological and material progress of the society and the economy. But it all depends on the main resource, and it is you, our young, educated, innovative and creative engineers. People with open minds and a vision for the future.

Hence, today, here, at Plaosnik, when you receive the Engineering ring, I urge you to join the efforts, with all your intellectual capacity and, through your personal success, and contribute to the overall success of Macedonia.

Thank you.