Skopje, 23 May 2023 (MIA) - President Stevo Pendarovski extended Tuesday a message of congratulations to members of the Vlach community in North Macedonia on National Day of the Vlachs – May 23.

 "On this day in 1905, a decree was issued within the Ottoman Empire recognizing Vlachs as special people with their own language, culture and identity. This opened a new chapter in the long and rich history of the Vlach community, which is a testament to their great contribution in the fight for a free and independent Macedonian state. Today, the members of the Vlach community in North Macedonia exercise the right to a civil and political organization, while having the same rights as the other ethnic communities. Vlachs equally contribute to social flows and in all segments of everyday life. North Macedonia has the obligation to continue to preserve, develop and promote the ethnic, linguistic and cultural identity of the Vlach community in the spirit of European values. Happy 23 May - National Day of the Vlachs," reads President Stevo Pendarovski's congratulatory message. ssh/sk/