"80 years of education in the Macedonian mother tongue in Albania"/ Dimitrievski from Korça: Important moment

2024-12-19 16:23:00, Qyteti im CNA

Deputy Foreign Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dimitrievski

This morning, the Scientific Conference called "80 years of education in the Macedonian mother tongue in Albania" took place. This conference was held in the premises of the Fan Noli University in Korça, where participants were leaders of this institution, lecturers, while the Deputy Foreign Minister of North Macedonia, Zoran Dimitrievski, also joined.

In a statement to the media, Dimitrievski said that this 80th anniversary is an important moment in terms of preserving culture and language, as well as good neighborly relations. According to him, the recognition and support of minority rights strengthens the ties between the two countries and promotes regional cooperation.

"This is an important moment that emphasizes the importance of preserving the culture and language, as well as good neighborly relations. Celebrating 80 years of teaching the Macedonian language in Albania is a testament to the enduring cultural ties and mutual respect between the two countries .Recognizing and supporting minority rights, such as the opportunity to learn and preserve the mother tongue, strengthens ties between countries and promotes regional cooperation."

The Deputy Foreign Minister of the Republic of Moldova commented on the official use of the Albanian language in North Macedonia, linking it to inter-ethnic relations and the significant percentage of Albanians in the Macedonian state.

"In North Macedonia, the issue of the official use of the Albanian language is related to inter-ethnic relations and minority rights. Albanians constitute a significant percentage of the population, and the use of the Albanian language as an official language is an important element to guarantee security and their equality. These clauses, which you mention, are designed to regulate the use of the Albanian language in specific contexts, such as in police and army uniforms, on banknotes, or in certain cases in courts."

Among other things, Dimitrievski emphasizes that the constitutional court is not expected to approve decisions that affect the official use of Albanian, as this would affect social harmony in the country. He says that a balance is needed to maintain coexistence in the country, where the Albanians in North Macedonia feel safe.

"However, it is not expected that the Constitutional Court will approve decisions that affect the official use of the Albanian language, as such an action would damage inter-ethnic relations and social harmony in the country. It is important that Albanians in North Macedonia feel safe and are respected for their linguistic rights. At the same time, it is equally important that all citizens value and respect the Macedonian language as a state and official language. Such a balance is fundamental for maintaining stability and coexistence in the country.

Regarding the agreements, I think that all the agreements that exist in North Macedonia, such as the Ohrid Agreement between Macedonians and Albanians, as well as other agreements with the Republic of Greece and the Republic of Bulgaria, should be evaluated by all parties, in fact, by all participants."

This scientific conference took place in Korcë with the cooperation of the counterpart institutions, between our country and North Macedonia, highlighting the good relations between the two countries as well as their harmonious coexistence. /CNA