Yesterday was ceremoniously opened a memorial room for the first president of the Republic of Macedonia, our fellow citizen, Kiro Gligorov. The opening of the memorial room had a special ceremony attended by the President of the Government of Republic Macedonia, Zoran Zaev, the daughter of the President Gligorov, Donka Gligorova as well as several members of the family of the president, the Mayor of Municipality Shtip as well as several members of his cabinet, the former head of the cabinet of the President Gligorov, Zhivko Kondev, the diplomat Viktor Gaber and other associates of the first president of our country.

On the ceremony also attended the national coordinator for NATO integration, Stevo Pendarovski, Ministers in the Government of Republic Macedonia, Ljupcho Nikolovski and Venko Filipche, deputy ministers in the Government of Republic Macedonia, Jani Makraduli and Dejan Pavlevski, national coordinator for culture, Robert Alagjozovski, Directors of the central and local institutions, members of the Federation of soldiers from Shtip, former members of the Parliament of Republic Macedonia, the rector of the University of Goce Delchev, Blazho Boev and many citizens of the first president’s hometown, Kiro Gligorov.

„ Today is a holiday for the city, because with the opening of this memorial room we show pride, dignity and maturity by giving recognition to our prominent fellow citizen.

We, citizens of Shtip, appreciate the real values and respect true Macedonian heroes and patriots. That is why last year President Gligorov was posthumously awarded with an Order of St.Nickolas. We continue to remember him and his essential role in the independence of our country.

President Kiro Gligorov is a historical figure with great merits and whatever we do will be little to pay back to him and thank him. We must actively work to maintain the memory of patriotism, courage, wisdom and determination of the man with the most striking biography in the contemporary Macedonian history. All citizens of the Republic Macedonia have this duty, especially we do, the citizens of Shtip”, said Mayor of Shtip Blagoj Bochvarski in his addressing.

At the opening ceremony, Prime Minister Zaev also had his addressing.

„Today is not just a big day for Shtip, but for the entire nation, for all those who love and respect their country, for all those who appreciate and respect the labor and sacrifices of the generations before us, those who left us a country with all their goals that need to be kept, promoted and developed.

President Gligorov stood at the head of the young Macedonian state at a time when the question “To be or not to be?” was posed before her. His wisdom, the vast political experience and his intellect were a huge advantage and capacity that helped Macedonia to overcome the decay of Yugoslavia and become an internationally recognized entity, despite the great obstruction and challenges that have emerged on that path. Under the peaceful arm and leadership of Gligorov, we managed to overcome blockades from the neighbors, sanctions and wars in the neighborhood, to rise above the internal challenges and divisions.

Macedonia in those first years of independence, although in extremely difficult circumstances, it was firm and unwavering in its union with the independent countries.

Big dreams are a characteristic of the great people. But, great people do not dream alone. They invest a lot of effort, invest themselves and all their capacities in a way to succeed and implement their missions for the future. President Gligorov fully invested himself, risked his own life in the process of creating the Macedonian state.

A part of his dream was to see Macedonia as an equal part of the European and world family of states and nations. At that time, Macedonia entered into the United Nations and in all the important international organizations, and at that time Macedonia began to walk the path towards integration in NATO and European Union.

Two decades later, after all the hard times we passed through, we are facing the goal of the second stage, at the very end of achieving and completing that vision. Macedonia is sovereign and independent, Macedonia on the west side – a part of NATO and European Union, a prosperous Macedonia, a country that goes ahead and opens working opportunities for its citizens.

I believe that our president and your fellow citizen will be the leader of these achievements and will be happy for the prosperous future and possibilities that are opened for its citizens,” said Zoran Zaev, the President of the Government.

After the ceremony, the memorial room was officially declared for open, and the attendees had the opportunity to see it and see the exhibits – objects that belonged to the president Gligorov, which were generously donated by his family.

The visitors had the opportunity to see the exhibition of photographs “Kiro Gligorov”.