Address by the President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, in the Parliament of the Republic of Albania

Honorable President of the Parliament, Ms. Topalli,
Distinguished Members of the Parliament,
Esteemed Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Great is the honor and pleasure for me to address the highest legislative assembly of the Republic of Albania.

Since the day of my inauguration as President of the Republic of Macedonia, development and promotion of good neighborly relations with the Republic of Albania is a priority that is high on my agenda. And there is a good reason for this, since the importance of this priority is multi-dimensional. Not only promotion of good neighborly relations is a necessity, but it is the foundation for the other top priorities, the Euro-Atlantic integration, regional cooperation, and finally, stability and prosperity of the entire region.

One thing is clear, the attainment of these priorities is not a one-way process. It is also clear that the Republic of Albania shares these identical priorities. Therefore, I would like to express special pleasure and thanks to my friend and colleague, President Bamir Topi, to the Government and particularly to the Parliament of the Republic of Albania for the intensive cooperation in attaining our common priorities.


Ladies and Gentlemen,

There are many things that bind our two countries and peoples. It is the past, the present but, above all, the future. The priorities that we share, the vision for common future in the great European and Euro-Atlantic family, the Macedonian community in the Republic of Albania and the Albanian community in the Republic of Macedonia are the binding bridges, and even more, they are the incentive to cooperate.

My consideration is that we may be satisfied with the work done so far. I am pleased with the achieved level of development of the bilateral relations and the cooperation at regional and multilateral level. The relations between the Republic of Macedonia and the Republic of Albania are complementary to the new spirit of cooperation in South-East Europe. It is something that is very important for our region. I am glad that we have the Republic of Albania
as partner to cooperate with in an appropriate manner to this new spirit. If you allow me, I shall elaborate this further.


These two days I was given the opportunity to meet with the highest state officials and citizens of the Republic of Albania. Believe me, the Republic of Macedonia stands ready and is interested in continuing and intensifying the cooperation with the Republic of Albania at all levels and in all areas.
We were paving the path to NATO membership together, a path that the Republic of Albania accomplished successfully. Therefore, I would like you to know that we in the Republic of Macedonia rejoice your success, because we are convinced that it is a success of the entire region. Your success is our success. And this goes to all our neighbors. Without any exception. It is Republic of Macedonia’s intention to establish direct cooperation with all its neighbors, having in mind the challenges and opportunities of the new times.

EU-integrations come after NATO membership. Hence, today, an Agreement between the two Governments was signed on cooperation and support for the European Union integration. This Agreement obliges us to mutual assistance and support on the road towards this common goal.


Ladies and Gentlemen,

Both countries actively participate in all forms and initiatives for cooperation at regional level. With President Topi and with our friend and colleague, President Vujanovic, we provide our personal contribution to the regional cooperation, and thus to the regional stability. In July this year, I will be hosting the third Summit, facilitating the youngest country in Europe, our neighbor, the Republic of Kosovo, to become involved in the regional cooperation. Also in Ohrid we will make one step further, thus we will strengthen and precisely define the practical dimension of our cooperation.

Topics of highest importance in our bilateral agenda, such as strengthening of economic cooperation, infrastructure and energy connectivity, cross-border cooperation, cooperation in the area of organized crime, culture and cultural heritage, environment, tourism, disaster prevention and assistance etc. will be included in the agenda of this quadrilateral cooperation. I believe that only with joint projects we may achieve better results in all these areas.


Ladies and Gentlemen,

At a time when our two countries are moving towards the European Union membership, we share similar commitments which include implementation of ongoing reforms. However, in this regard, we are not only faced with similar responsibilities, but also with similar challenges.

I think that the constellation of issues and challenges Europe and the world is faced with, such as dealing with the consequences of the global economic and financial crisis, the situation in the Middle East and North Africa, encourage only those who oppose or are tired of the enlargement.

I believe you will agree with my conclusion that when there is no progress in the European integration, the countries in the region, rather than being focused on the implementation of the reforms, progress and improvement of the living standard of their citizens, are dealing with themselves. But also, I think that this is the right moment when we should be honest and self-critical.

And I ask you, do you see any way out of such a situation?

We are a natural part of the European family. We should not demonstrate our affiliation to the shared values, standards and benefits only by words but also by deeds.

People who were given mandates from the citizens should be responsible and should meet the needs, requirements and expectations of the citizens. Thus we will be able to prove ourselves, Brussels and the European capitals that we are ready. Demonstrating our readiness, we increase their liability concerning the enlargement. Therefore, instead of turning their attention to matters they do not want to see, we should keep their attention to matters they expect. I believe that we can do this, both you and we. I believe we will meet the expectations.

Let me briefly refer to our situation.
In our Parliament, in December last year I voiced my expectations for the current year. I said that 2011 is a year of serious decisions, which require all segments of Macedonian society to behave responsibly and with dignity. Decisions in view of continuation of the European integration, implementation of reforms.

Unfortunately, the political struggle flared up and resulted in a situation which can only be resolved by early elections. In such a situation, in a similar spirit, all issues can be addressed. I believe that all stakeholders will act with maximum responsibility, will obey the rules of the political game, according to the highest international standards and that the last word will be given to the citizens.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

To a large extent, as I have already stated, the political and economic situation in the Republic of Macedonia is a result of the blockade of one of our neighbors, a NATO and European Union member-state.


Although the blockade is for one irrational issue, I am optimist, a mutually acceptable solution can be found.

I have to say that there is a completely new and positive climate in the relations with all our neighbors, including Greece. The frequent meetings between the Prime Ministers of both countries, as well as my meetings with the Greek Prime Minister Papandreou, have positive impact on the trust, respect and understanding. This is an important factor on which my optimism is based.

I acknowledge that we need a solution to unblock the European integration process. The dispute is asymmetric since our neighbor does not feel the consequences, but my fellow citizens feel them for already twenty years.

We are constructive; we constantly participate and hope that with good will and constructiveness of the other party, and by respecting the frame defined by the United Nations, we can find a solution.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I would like to refer briefly to the relations with the Republic of Albania.

Macedonians and Albanians have lived for many years as good neighbors, acquaintances, friends. But that is not all. There is a century-old tradition between our two peoples of recognition, understanding and mutual support, coexistence and tolerance.

Few people are familiar with the joint plans for establishment of free and independent states. Plans based on common aspirations for liberation of Macedonia and Albania from the Ottoman yoke which were transformed in the establishment of the Macedonian – Albanian Revolutionary League in 1887.

Here I will quote an excerpt from the 1887 Proclamation of the Macedonian-Albanian League, where, the Albanian patriots stated the following: "After many attempts to help our homeland Albania, we learnt that there is only one way to victory. That is alliance with our close Macedonians and joint actions to liberate our ancient suffering homeland. Alliance with the Macedonians that are in the Bulgarian Principality and with those who live in Macedonia... "

This feeling was mutual, which is best proven by the Krushevo Manifesto in which the Macedonian insurgents urged their neighbors, friends and acquaintances, among whom were the Albanians, to become involved in the struggle for liberation of Macedonia.


Ladies and Gentlemen,

The tradition of good and close relation continues today.

With the Ohrid Framework Agreement, the provisions of which have become part of the Constitution, Macedonia has strengthened, upgraded and enhanced the century-old tradition of multiethnic coexistence and tolerance. The Ohrid Framework Agreement is only a confirmation of that tradition.

This year we mark the 10th anniversary of the signing of the Ohrid Framework Agreement, and I, as President of the Republic of Macedonia, am the patron of the events that will celebrate this Agreement.

One of the basic features of our two countries and indeed of the whole region is the ethnic, linguistic and religious diversity, mixture and wealth. Wealth that is to be cherished.

Macedonia is recognizable in Europe and worldwide by the Ohrid Framework Agreement, which is the only successful agreement in the region. I am also convinced that the Macedonian model is the model of the future. Therefore, we are ready to share Macedonian experience and benefits with all our neighbors.


Hence, I expect the Albanian community in Macedonia to be our voiced lawyer and advocate for the rights of the Macedonian community in the Republic of Albania.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I want to acknowledge that the Macedonian people express the century-old friendship and coexistence with the Albanians not only through the respect and the rights that the Albanian community enjoys in the Republic of Macedonia.

The Republic of Macedonia also reached out its hand to Kosovo, recognizing the youngest country in Europe and establishing closest and most constructive relations regarding all issues. Indeed, last year, exactly with the Republic of Kosovo we had the greatest trade exchange.

And that is not all. The Republic of Macedonia is actively assisting the integration of the Republic of Kosovo in the regional initiatives. Next week I will be hosting the first official visit of Kosovo's new President Behgjet Pacolli, which is yet another confirmation of the friendship between the citizens of Macedonia and Kosovo.


And, in the context of my understanding of ethnic communities as bridge binding the states, I have no doubt that the Albanian people will appreciate and respect this and will enable the Macedonian community in Albania to enjoy all rights, according to the international standards. Therefore, I have no doubt that the Albanian people will allow the Macedonian national minority, officially recognized in the Republic of Albania, to be recognized throughout the state, inspired by the values  we share.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

We must not forget that the power of our region lies precisely in its diversity, which requires appropriate conditions.

Multi-ethnicity needs open space, space in which there is freedom of movement of people, ideas, capital and products. Space in which everyone enjoys its rights and holds its own identity. Open space in which everyone is respected for what he or she is, regardless of the place of living and work. As space of tolerance and celebration of diversity. That is also part of my vision for European peace, Pax Europeana.

In several instances, it is proven in history that our region has survived in peace when it was part of an open space, because the open space creates conditions for building interdependence and cooperation. Closed space, on the other hand, divides people and states and creates conditions for conflict. Instead, open space creates need for one market, one currency, and a neutral power. I believe that only Europe can open the space in our region.

Therefore, I believe that now is the time when the European leaders should pay attention to the principles laid down by the founders of Europe. Therefore, exactly in moments of crisis, we in the region need more and not less Europe. There is no viable alternative for the region and for Macedonia except the European integrations. There is no better driving force of our societies than the Euro-integration process. Europe's ability to affect its neighborhood without pressure, without force, to attract and adapt its neighboring countries
in its constellation of democratic and prosperous countries, is one of Europe’s most important missions.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

This year, census of the population in our two countries is to be conducted. I believe that there is one extremely important benefit of this important statistical operation. The better and more accurately the censuses are conducted, the better and more accurately we will be able to design the development of the economic and commercial sectors in our countries. Development on which the welfare of our citizens depends. Moreover, the census will be a great opportunity for the Macedonian national minority in the Republic of Albania, for the first time, to declare its national, religious and linguistic belonging.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

At the end, let me finish with the following conclusion. We live in a region the size of which lies in its profound creativity, culture and tradition. Macedonian and Albanian community, along with our set European and Euro-Atlantic goals, are the strongest bridge binding our two friendly countries. A bridge we should preserve, maintain and strengthen. We are obliged to this by the current generation and by the generations to come. We are obliged to this by our common European and Euro-Atlantic future.

Thank you.