SKOPJE, Dec. 30 (Xinhua) -- Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev and President Gjorge Ivanov extended on Sunday their New Year wishes to their countrymen.
In his end of the year video address, Zaev called 2018 the year of integration and expressed the wishes that 2019 turns goals into reality, making Macedonia a peaceful and stable country and an ally for NATO, a member of the European Union (EU) and that it will become a global and just Macedonia with an economy that functions for everyone.
"By building friendship with our neighbor Greece, we have taken up the responsibility to close a dispute that has been dragging Macedonia down for 27 years. We chose the future rather than an uncertain isolation. Today, our country is one step closer to becoming the 30th member of the strongest alliance in the world, NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization)," underlined Zaev in his address.
"We are preparing for the opening of negotiation with the EU (European Union), which is a process used to build a country according to European standards and to become equal with the citizens of the EU," he added.
Meanwhile, President Gjorge Ivanov wished Macedonian people health, joy and happiness, urging them to respond to every challenge with wisdom and kindness.
"We should be brave facing the call of responsibility and all of us, together, to commit ourselves to building a fair society based on truth, freedom and peace. Only a successful and prosperous homeland will allow us to make our dreams come true," Ivanov said in his speech.
