Respected guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Dear friends,

From all the values that the human kind has aspired to, peace has always been the most desired one and at the same time the most difficult to attain. The economy, the development, the planning of our future and the future of our children, all these depend on peace. But peace is not uniformed, nor ultimate. Peace is built through dialogue, respect and acceptance of diversity.

President John F. Kennedy had this kind of noble vision when he formed Peace Corps 53 years ago in order to promote the principles of peace and understanding between the peoples and the countries around the world.

The people that took the lead of Peace Corps had the courage to put this vision into practice and offer help and assistance to almost 139 countries around the world, including the Republic of Macedonia.

Please allow me to greet you and express my deep respect for the mission of all the generations of Peace Corps Volunteers that have served in the Republic of Macedonia. Please rest assured that you have our support and we congratulate you on your endeavors and dedication and for serving as a role model in our communities.

In the spirit of building long-lasting friendships between the American citizens and their hosts in Macedonia, Peace Corps has become a bridge of friendship between the Republic of Macedonia and the United States. Therefore, in 2011, at the Peace Corps' 50th anniversary and the 15th anniversary of Peace Corps in Macedonia, I have awarded Peace Corps with the prestigious Order of Merit of the Republic of Macedonia.

Today, as a President of the Republic of Macedonia, on the behalf of all the citizens of Macedonia I would like to thank you all for the exceptional role of the American citizens that serve as Volunteers with this agency.

I am confident that this new generation of Volunteers will continue the legacy of friendship and mutual understanding between the people in Macedonia and United States and I wish the new Volunteers successful work and a pleasant stay in the Republic of Macedonia.

Thank you.