Distinguished participants,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

As President of the Republic of Macedonia, I have been attending this important event organized by the Marmara Foundation for the sixth consecutive year, and I have never been disappointed from the relevant topics of discussion. Same goes for this 19th Euro-Asian Economic Summit. I wish to congratulate Mr. Suvver and his team for always keeping up with the global issues.

We live in an age of economic, technical and cultural interdependence that is in no way similar to any of the other previous ages. We witness new achievements in scientific, technical and technological development every day. However, in conditions of crisis, the modern world looks like a street with many fast cars stuck into traffic.

We are witnessing permanent crises and stress, when almost everyone is in anticipation of major changes.

Opponents of globalization, taken as westernization, are using its advantages to fight against it.

There is a new major movement of peoples. Millions of migrants and refugees have been deprived from their right to belonging, of a place where they would feel safe. Europe became the most desired destination for millions from the global South.

As the number of refugees increases, thus the willingness and readiness of the European Union to accept and integrate them will decrease. At the same time, the migrant crisis contributed to an additional straining of relations between states. The weaker the cooperation between states, the stronger is the cooperation between criminals. Some have rightly noted that human trafficking is becoming even more lucrative than drug trafficking.

What is also concerning is the fact that these same channels are used by individuals with closed minds who spread violence through violent terrorist acts. Recently, besides Paris and Brussels, Ankara and Istanbul were also hit by terrorism and violent extremism that created a new reality in Europe.

Trying to handle the challenges arising from the economic, migrant and refugee crisis, the European Union is facing centrifugal forces.

In such turbulent times, when fear and uncertainty reign, we need a voice of wisdom that would offer solutions for these difficult challenges. Refugees and migrants are not statistics, but human beings, with inalienable human rights and innate human dignity. Every one of them is a human being in search for happiness. In order not to see the power of the powerless post festum, we need to treat them in a humane way and to meet their needs.

I am convinced that this session of the Euro-Asian Economic Summit will contribute to finding sustainable responses and solutions.

Thank you.