Respected Maestro Boris Trajanov,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Yesterday, on September 8, we celebrated 23 years of independence of the Republic of Macedonia. The independence of the homeland is gained only once, but is kept, cherished and promoted constantly, every day, every hour. It is defended both at home and abroad, within the territorial boundaries of the homeland, but also in the cultural and spiritual spaces worldwide.

In the great historic effort, our creators, our artists were involved as well by conquering world scenes for Macedonia. They perform in the name of art, but also in the name of Macedonia. Thanks to their efforts, in the eyes of all Macedonian citizens, they have become national artists.

It is with special honor that, today, for the fourth time we will declare a National Artist of the Republic of Macedonia. After Simon Trpcevski, Milcho Mancevski and Esma Redzepova, this year the title is awarded to Maestro Boris Trajanov.

Today we have the opportunity to recall his rich career filled with masterpiece performances and express our gratitude to him for his outstanding contributions in the promotion of our country.

Distinguished Guests,

Trajanov with his voice at the world's most prestigious opera stages has been representing the Republic of Macedonia in the best possible manner and promoting our culture, art and spirituality.

Maestro Trajanov's repertoire has always included roles with great music and dramatic weight that require great effort and flawless voice capacity. Yet, he has achieved it in the most difficult music and art forms - opera. Therefore, we are especially proud that Trajanov, with his memorable performances, has left a lasting mark as a superb baritone.

It is said that music is the universal language of mankind. Language that promotes peace, goodwill and friendship among peoples and nations. As the voice of art, Maestro Trajanov became the voice of humanity. For his selfless humanitarian activities, in 2005, Boris Trajanov was declared "UNESCO Artist for Peace".

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Art is human nature, and nature is God's art. In that sense, we all are obliged to take care of the greatest work of art. But, who can do it better than an artist?

Maestro Trajanov had the vision to see Macedonia forested and the nature around us green and reborn. With his personal example, he has motivated the whole Macedonian society, has motivated every one of us, on the Day of the Tree, to roll up our sleeves and plant our future.

With his initiatives and proactive approach, Boris Trajanov showed that artists with their ideas and creativity can exploit themselves and their energy for the good of all.

Music is perhaps enough for a lifetime, but a whole human life is not enough for music. It is passed from generation to generation. As a dedicated teacher at the Music Academy of the University Goce Delchev in Stip, Maestro Trajanov takes care to leave worthy successors to Macedonia.

Everything that Maestro Boris Trajanov has done so far has brought him the most prestigious national award in the field of culture - the title "National Artist of the Republic of Macedonia".

By doing this, we express our commitment to the arts and to the lasting cultural values. Culture and art are the backbone of every nation and therefore we should constantly improve the conditions for their development.

The holders of the title "National Artist", and numerous other artists, cultural figures show the world daily that Macedonia is a source of talent and homeland of outstanding creative people. With pure thought, good will and impeccable mastery of the universal language of art they are our ambassadors in every part of the globe. We are proud that one of them is Boris Trajanov.

Thank you.