Skopje, 30 March 2023 (MIA) – The Macedonia Turkiye Chamber of Commerce (MATTO) will build a new school at the site of the school that was destroyed by the earthquake in Turkiye, said MATTO president Ajdovan Ademoski at the iftar dinner organized by the Chamber on Wednesday and added that the name of the school will be Republic of North Macedonia. Ademoski said that 34 classrooms will be named after Macedonian cities as a sign of gratitude.

“We have empathized with our Turkish brothers, we mobilized and secured material and financial aid of nearly EUR 3 million and around 50 trucks of aid. I would like to thank the Government of North Macedonia, which acted as a true friend in these difficult times. The Government, the businesses and the chambers of commerce helped Turkiye immensely, but we shouldn’t stop there,” Ademoski said in his address.

MATTO and Association of Turkish NGOs in Macedonia (Matusiteb) members got involved in the realization of the project donation to rebuild one of the 111 schools that were destroyed in the earthquake.

“This is a step forward, developing the idea of friendship and solidarity and raising the friendship to a higher level. In this way, the growth, development and education of the children who lost their schools can continue, and the new generations get a wonderful example of the humanity and friendship between these two peoples,” Ademoski said.

The attendees watched a video of the design of the school that is going to be rebuilt.

“Turkiye is facing the destruction caused by an unprecedented natural disaster. The country is working hard to heal the wounds, aided by the international community. North Macedonia was there from day one, sending search and rescue teams. The Government, official institutions, NGOs, everyone helped. The people of Turkiye thank you. Our future generations will remember the love and solidarity that the beautiful people of this country showed to Turkiye,” said Turkish Ambassador Hassan Mehmet Sekizkok.

He believes that MATTO’s project is the perfect example of solidarity.

Government officials, including the Deputy PM of Economic Affairs Fatmir Bytyqi, also attended the iftar dinner. He said it is a month of fasting from food and drink, but also a month of purification from bad behavior, hatred, envy, and all bad thoughts.

“Ramadan is a month of celebrating human traits, emphasizing moral principles, values and solidarity with others. MATTO’s initiative to build a school is the perfect example of solidarity, and I’d like to take this opportunity to express my thanks,” Bytyqi said.

Among other attendees were Parliament Speaker Talat Xhaferi, Minister of Interior Oliver Spasovski, Minister of Defense Slavjanka Petrovska, Minister of Finance Fatmir Besimi and others, as well as mayors, politicians, representatives of associations and a number of businesspeople. dk/ik/