Skopje, 28 June 2025 (MIA) -- At their meeting on the sidelines of the German Social Democratic Party's congress in Berlin, SDSM leader Venko Filipche thanked former German Chancellor Olaf Sholz for Germany's support in protecting the Macedonian language and identity.

According to SDSM in a press release, Filipche also "expressed sincere gratitude for the strong and principled support Germany led by Sholz gave to Macedonia in the European integration process."

Filipche said this was a result of the cooperation between SDSM and SPD, their German sister party, and expressed his confidence that this support would continue.

He also said no labels should be added to the Macedonian language in the EU's Progress Report on the country.

"All EU documents clearly recognize the Macedonian language," he said.

SDSM remains firmly committed to the country's European future and strategic partnerships that stregthen the Macedonian position at the international scene, according to the party's release. mr/