Skopje, 16 May 2026 (MIA) — Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski attended earlier Saturday the annual gathering of the VMRO-DPMNE Veterans Union, held at Drachevo's Pelenica Monastery.

"The event was held in the spirit of togetherness, respect for our shared values and good times together with long-time friends and supporters," Mickoski posted on Facebook.

"It was a true honor to be part of today's gathering," he added.

Skopje Mayor Orce Gjorgjievski also posted on social media to highlight the event, noting that the Pelenica tradition began over a dozen years ago.

"I remember 13 years ago right here at the Rusa Sreda monastery in Pelenica, how a simple idea and a genuine friendship with the veterans and my dear friend Hristijan Mickoski sparked a tradition that still lives, grows and brings us together today," Gjorgjievski wrote on Facebook.

He said the place was a symbol of faith, togetherness, perseverance and patriotic love and thanked attendees for their contributions to the country.

"Thank you to every member, every veteran, every young person, every woman and every citizen of our beautiful Macedonia who has played a part in building the mosaic of our homeland," Gjorgjievski wrote.

He also said veterans were "an inseparable part of VMRO," a "pillar of the party" and "one of the foundations Macedonia was built on and continues to be built on."

"Their struggle, loyalty, sacrifice and love for this country deserve our deepest respect. They have always had that from me, and they always will," he wrote. mr/