Skopje, 5 May 2023 (MIA) - As part of his working visit to New York, Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski addressed a reception at the United Nations Headquarters on the 30th anniversary of North Macedonia's UN membership.

"Thirty years might be very meaningful in one's lifetime, yet they might seem only just significant for a state and even less so for history. April 8, 1993, will always remain one of the most significant dates in our history. We fulfilled the longstanding dream of generations of Macedonians for a free, sovereign, independent and democratic state, soundly anchored in the family of the United Nations," Kovachevski pointed out. 

 
He mentioned that in his admission speech delivered in Macedonian language in the General Assembly Hall, late president Kiro Gligorov said that the admission into the international family of nations was an act by which justice triumphs. 

 
"All these years, the Republic of North Macedonia has acted responsibly as a country that understands global processes and upholds the principles of international law and good neighborliness. North Macedonia has endured many difficult moments, but thanks to the wisdom of its citizens and reasonable policies and leadership of its politicians, it has successfully overcome all challenges and temptations along the road," said the PM. 

He added that the country has taken an abundance of difficult decisions during the last 30 years.

"Difficult but imaginative and courageous choices enabled us to become a NATO member country and begin accession negotiations with the European Union, with a protected and recognized Macedonian language, identity and culture. From a country that hosted peace-keeping missions 30 years ago, we are now a factor of stability and hosts of international negotiations in our country. This has been done because we build on the experience, the leadership and the vision of the politicians and diplomats I mentioned previously," Kovachevski said. 

Today with us, the PM noted, we have the younger generation of ministers and diplomats. "Minister Osmani who showed a great level of concentration and knowledge during our negotiations with the European Union and neighboring Bulgaria during last year. Ambassador Popov who is the new-coming generation but experienced diplomat, and with such type of ministers and diplomats we are sure that we will continue this road of successful diplomacy which we practice from the first day of our independence," Kovachevski said. 

 
He stressed that the signed Ohrid and Prespa agreements, as well as the Friendship Treaty, are a confirmation of the permanent commitment to pave the way for the current and future development of the country through open dialogue.

"Our country, North Macedonia, has a special brand of diplomacy shown through constructive dialogue to resolve open issues. And all of these issues were identity issues. If there is a place on earth where there is a proof that diplomacy works in resolving identity issues, then it is North Macedonia," Kovachevski added.  

 
The Prime Minister underlined that as 2023 OSCE Chair, the country promotes these core principles that stem from the UN Charter and the reaffirmation of which is more necessary than ever before.

"We strongly believe in the UN and its values. We strongly believe in our joint potential to promote inclusive, effective and sustainable global governance based on the rules and principles of international law," he added. 

 
In his address, Kovachevski stressed that 30 years ago and today, the country's ambitions still remain the same. "Respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, democracy and economic development, and resolving common issues concerning our planet."

"As we are all gathered here today, in this landmark building on East River to celebrate the 30 years of our membership to the United Nations, I invite you to also take a look at the exhibition which was jointly put together by the National Archive of our country and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and that showcases those moments of trials, turbulences, and successes of our country," said PM Kovachevski. 

At the end of his address, he pointed out that he looks forward to the next 30 years of joint work and partnership. "As they are saying, the first hundred years are the tough ones, but they also say that God gives the hardest tasks to the ones that can bear the most," Kovachevski said. 

Photo/video: Government of the Republic of North Macedonia