Ohrid, 24 May 2023 (MIA) - The language is our homeland, said giant Blazhe Koneski and left a legacy. The Macedonian language has persevered through centuries thanks to the people who spoke, told stories and created works in Macedonian. We, Macedonians, also persevere through the language. The Macedonian language will exist as long as there are people who speak it, and our only homeland North Macedonia will exist as well," said Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski at panel discussion "Macedonian Language in the Slavic World" within the observances of May 24-Day of Pan-Slavic Educators Ss.Cyril and Methodius" in Ohrid on Wednesday.

PM Kovachevski referred to the difficult statehood decisions, securing the country's borders through the NATO membership, as well as strengthening of the Macedonian language and identity through the start of the EU accession negotiations.

"We want to ensure a European way of life here, keep the young people in the country, studying and working here, so that people speak, write and create in their mother tongue today and for all times, in their own land, as part of Europe," said Kovachevski.

He also pointed to the recent signing of the Frontex agreement between the EU and North Macedonia in Macedonian language, with no footnotes or asterisks.

"The Macedonian language is at equal footing with all other languages spoken in the EU. The European law is translated in Macedonian language," added Kovachevski.

The PM also mentioned the Government's activities to ensure the continuity of the Macedonian language, such as the Law on Use of the Macedonian Language, which enlarges the areas for use of the language and its Cyrillic letter, its protection and promotion, but also other projects related to its preservation.

"What we have to do it move forward. The opportunities are here, more than ever before, for Macedonian linguists, authors, artists to work and create among European colleagues, opening new and significant perspectives for present and future generations," noted Kovachevski.

Observances of the Day of Pan-Slavic Educators Ss.Cyril and Methodius continued with a wreath-laying ceremony at their monument on the Ohrid town square and the main event taking place at the St.Clement church on Plaoshnik, the site of the first Slavic university.

Photo: MIA and Government of North Macedonia