Skopje, 23 May 2024 (MIA) - President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova extended Thursday a message of congratulations to members of the Vlach community in North Macedonia on National Day of the Vlachs – May 23.

“On this day we are reminded of the fact that the Vlachs are a unique people, with their own language, authentic culture and centuries-long presence in this region. Living in several Balkan states, the Vlachs are said to be a people with many homelands. Yet, it is only in our shared Macedonian homeland that the Vlachs are constitutionally recognized and socially valued. This is due to the Macedonian tradition of coexistence and respect for diversity, but also due to the contribution of the Vlachs in the fight for a free Macedonian state. Eighty years ago, the Vlachs participated equally in the establishment of ASNOM Macedonia,” Siljanovska-Davkova said.

In the greeting, Siljanovska-Davkova emphasized the need to remove the last barriers in order to enable the Vlachs to fulfill their basic human right to education.

“Language is the strongest bond between the ancestors and the descendants, it conveys the unrepeatable experience and unique perception that a people have of reality. Consequently, the Vlach language is not only a part of the Macedonian, but also of the European cultural heritage. That’s why decisive action is needed to preserve and promote the Vlach language, identity and culture, especially in the educational system and its use in private and public life, in the spirit of the European values. With such convictions, I congratulate May 23 to all members of the Vlach community,” the President said in her greeting. 

Photo: President's Office