Timeline

"Today, as we rightly ponder the future of Europe, we recognize the pressing need to remain vigilant in safeguarding peace, democracy, and human development. If we consider ourselves champions of freedom and democracy as the core values of Europe, then it is our duty to contribute to the preservation of these European values, which fundamentally include peace, dialogue, cooperation, compromise, and mutual understanding."

-Zoran Zaev

"When I say that the conflict in Ukraine is, at its core, a battle of values, I am emphasizing that it is a struggle that directly involves us. It is a clash between democracy and autocracy, an ideological warfare between freedom and oppression or totalitarianism, where the two opposing concepts determine the organization of societies as either democratic, open, and free or closed, captive, and dictatorial. In light of this, the free and democratic world cannot afford to remain a passive observer in this war, just as it cannot adopt a neutral stance when it comes to both the conventional conflict and the resilience of the Ukrainian people in their fight for their homeland."

-Zoran Zaev

As one of the devoted protectors and nurturers of my beloved city's tradition and centuries-old spiritual values, I attended the Strumica Municipality Council's Solemn Session on December 11 - the Day of the Protectors of Strumica - the Holy Fifteen Tiveriopol Priest-Martyrs. It was a pleasure to feel the solemn atmosphere in which the fifteen servants of God who spread Christianity in Tiveriopol (today's Strumica) and laid down their life in that name 1660 years ago were honored with appropriate contents.
On behalf of the "Zaev - One Society for All" Foundation, I congratulate the six winners of the Annual Awards of the Municipality of Strumica, as well as the winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award - the renowned international basketball player from Strumica, Vlado Ilievski.
"Tiberiopolis grew to be like a tower visible from everywhere, giving light to the faith and the other towns of the west, and bringing people who were in the deep sea of disbelief back from the darkness of error"

-Zoran Zaev

"Thanks to the Chamber of Commerce for the honor it showed to the leaders of these three countries for the "Open Balkans" Initiative, because only united regionally, we can do much more for the economies of all the countries that are part of the process, ensure greater economic cooperation, multiple increase in economic exchange, which will contribute to faster development of the region and well-being for our citizens."

-Zoran Zaev

"Europe is our family and it is expected that the family will accept North Macedonia, which is in the heart of the continent. "

-Zoran Zaev

'Today, here in Skopje, we have opened new perspectives for our countries, our peoples, our economies and our societies. The Balkans have been surrounded by walls for long enough. Today, instead of walls, we built new bridges.

-Zoran Zaev

"The Western Balkans is tired of historical misunderstandings and that is why we, as modern politicians, need to look ahead and be focused on solutions. When it comes to North Macedonia, we have shown with Greece that it is possible to emerge from a process of misunderstanding as stronger friends. "

-Zoran Zaev

"The realization of the projects with the support of the EU Economic-Investment Plan for the Western Balkans ensures cooperation and long-term economic recovery of the region and accelerates the integration processes."

-Zoran Zaev

"We jointly invest in more intensive cooperation to open more doors for Turkish investors and for stronger trade ties between North Macedonia and Turkey."

-Zoran Zaev

"I express great gratitude for the dedicated work of Prime Minister Zaev and for his efforts to strengthen and promote economic cooperation between the two countries. This awarding is recognition of his great contribution to the advancement of economic and political ties between Greece and North Macedonia."

-Konstantinos Michalos

"Our economy is developing based on the free markets principle and nurtures the best European and world values for doing business. North Macedonia is creating a friendly environment for foreign investments and this is confirmed by tens of the best renowned companies in the world"

-Zoran Zaev

"This is an act of precious friendship and a helping hand!"

-Zoran Zaev

"We are entering a new phase of economic growth and our regional economic cooperation to align with the EU accession process and our future participation in the EU single market.In this context, by establishing a framework and defining concrete activities in all areas of the four EU freedoms, enriched with the digital, investment, innovation and industrial pillars, the new Common Regional Market Action Plan provides a solid foundation in that direction. "

-Zoran Zaev

"Together we face the same health and economic challenges, and only together can we overcome them, with closer cooperation and greater solidarity. That is why we need to continue to invest in good neighbourly relations, overcome open issues through dialogue and tolerance, and improve regional cooperation. "

-Zoran Zaev

"In the spirit of solidarity and regional cooperation, the members of the Central European Initiative, many of them EU member-states, are propelling the process of full integration of the Western Balkans within the European Union. The visibility of these efforts after the October European Council is a great encouragement and we hope that these efforts will deliver."

-Zoran Zaev

"Safe, reliable and stable, we participate in all global and democratic processes that move the world forward. North Macedonia is the 30th member country of NATO, it brings prosperity and a secure future for all our citizens, for all our children."

-Zoran Zaev

"The Prespa Agreement is a dignified and acceptable solution for both parties. It is based on a compromise that builds friendship. A compromise that is good for both sides. Our achievement encourages other leaders in the region to be committed to maintaining peace and stability, enhancing regional cooperation, boosting economic development, and being strongly committed to EU integration. The whole world has recognized us for solving the problems, and now is the time to set an example for them to take a step further."

-Zoran Zaev

"Our country is successfully developing a multi-ethnic society through the ‘One Society’ concept and rebuilding democracy."

-Zoran Zaev

"Europe is our common home! "

-Giuseppe Conte, Prime Minister of Italy

"Let’s introduce the European principles of cooperation and functioning and the four EU freedoms of movement of goods, movement of persons, establish and provide services, and movement of capital."

-Zoran Zaev

"The countries of the Visegrád Group have always been strong and vocal supporters of the countries of the Western Balkans in their processes and commitments for EU integration, and ready to share their experiences of European integration processes, but also to increase economic cooperation with our country and our region."

-Zoran Zaev

"I think we should all be proud of the results achieved. Regional cooperation has taken on a new dimension. Several projects have been implemented and many initiatives have been launched that should contribute to economic development, increased trade and better mutual understanding and reconciliation. The Berlin Process has undoubtedly proved to help achieve the strategic goal of the region - its integration into the EU."

-Zoran Zaev

"Traditional friendly relations between the two countries have a bright perspective for further development of economic relations."

-Zoran Zaev

"The partnership between Great Britain and North Macedonia will continue in the future, in areas for which the two countries have common interests."

-Zoran Zaev

"This historic visit is a huge recognition of the place that North Macedonia has taken in the global community of progressive countries."

-Zoran Zaev

"The Republic of North Macedonia strongly supports the 16+1 initiative. We believe that there is a huge potential to advance our partnerships, but also to create new economic and business potential."

-Zoran Zaev

"Today is a historic milestone. When you look at the past the relations between our two countries from today's perspective, you see missed opportunities and wasted time. When you look at the future that opens before us, you see open opportunities and common interests. You see two neighbouring, friendly nations, who have shown Europe and the world that with courageous decisions and a desire for unity, what seemed impossible until yesterday is a reality today."

-Zoran Zaev

"The Republic of Albania is one of our closest friends and partners, with whom I am convinced that we can, and we are working in that direction, to ensure prosperity and security, but also European perspectives of our countries and the region."

-Zoran Zaev

"We succeeded! We can all be proud to live in a new era, an era of building a democratic society of equal citizens striving to conquer European values."

-Zoran Zaev

"We are aware that the entire region and both countries are on the right track to achieving good neighbourly relations that will support our Euro-Atlantic perspectives and contribute to the stability and economic prosperity of the Balkan region. The majority of citizens in both countries want to have close and friendly relations that contribute to strengthening cooperation. We want to stand side by side to help and support each other in challenging times."

-Zoran Zaev

"I support the courageous policies of Prime Minister Zaev and the Government, which finally pave the way for the deserved EU and NATO integration and have the full support of Croatia in these processes. "

- Andrej Plenković

"This visit is a strong sign that the two countries maintain and constantly promote positive and constructive bilateral relations."

-Zoran Zaev

"This visit and the friendly talks are a confirmation of the strong mutual support of the two countries as strategic partners who share common values."

-James Mattis

"I have a special honour, for the first time in the history of friendly relations between the two countries, to welcome a German Chancellor on an official visit to our country. "

-Zoran Zaev

"The citizens of our country will forever remember that the invitation to NATO, as a historic decision for the future of our country and our citizens, was personally signed by him, our friend Jens Stoltenberg on July 12 this year in Brussels. With this great gesture, NATO encouraged and accelerated the process of our country's integration into NATO, and thus strengthened our sense of belonging to the country the most powerful security organization in the world. "

-Zoran Zaev

"Since I received the Peace Prize last year, I am no bigger peace fighter than I was. But in myself, in a special way, I feel the responsibility that you have entrusted to me, that you have shown faith in me, here in Mostar: to continue, with even greater enthusiasm, and even greater faith that it is worth building bridges, developing and fostering friendships and through those bridges and those friendships, to create a future."

-Zoran Zaev

"With the agreement reached, the Macedonian-Greek name dispute and strategic partnership with Greece, our country is recognized as a leader in the region in terms of foreign policy. "

-Zoran Zaev

"We decided on a future with more hope, well-being and prosperity for all citizens. We have a historical, centuries-old solution. A solution that strengthens the Macedonian identity!"

-Zoran Zaev

"Today we are ending a dispute. We are putting an end to the long-standing differences that have raised a wall that has hampered friendly relations between the neighbours. The issue has been open for three decades. Those were three decades of uncertainty about our future. Those were three decades of serious side effects. This ceremonial act is the culmination of all our efforts. This is an expression of our commitment to finding a solution that is in the interest of the future and the citizens of our two countries. "

-Zoran Zaev

"With the enlightening mission for the advancement of the Slavic and Christian civilization, Saint Cyril and his brother Saint Methodius tasked today's Macedonian state, the Macedonian people, but also other peoples and states in the Balkans, to keep a special and centuries-old place in their histories and heritages."

-Zoran Zaev

"Today's visit by the British Prime Minister Theresa May, the first in a long time of this nature, is the crown of a long-standing partnership and friendship between the two countries."

-Zoran Zaev

"The facilitation of procedures, better coordination, cooperation and connection aim not only to boost national and regional trade but to create jobs and boost the economy."

-Zoran Zaev

"The desire to give the world and Europe a new Balkans is strongly supported by the Federal Republic of Germany through the Berlin Process initiative. This initiative is the key motivator for the new dynamic regional cooperation at the highest political level. On this occasion, I would like to thank Chancellor Merkel for initiating the Berlin Process and for making Germany one of the strongest supporters."

-Zoran Zaev

"The majority of citizens in our two countries want to have close and friendly relations that contribute to strengthening cooperation. We want to stand side by side to help and support each other in challenging times. "

-Zoran Zaev

"Facilitating the flow of goods and passengers will be a serious relief for citizens and businesses. IT connection at the border crossings will mean modernization and an opportunity for our citizens to feel equal with the citizens of Europe."

-Zoran Zaev

"Friendly relations between the two countries are a treasure and a potential for deepening cooperation in many other areas as well."

-Zoran Zaev

"Prime Minister Zaev brought new positive energy to the Western Balkans. "

-Denis Zvizdić

"Our country remains a committed and credible partner of the EU in tackling the challenges posed by the migrant crisis."

-Zoran Zaev

"Through the exchange of experiences, mobility, skilled labour, the political climate of co-operation, the cooperation of chambers, the eradication of corruption, we are sending a strong signal that this region can be an attractive place to invest."

-Zoran Zaev

"Together with all other countries, we are committed to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). There is no legal obligation for that. There is a civilizational, humanistic and human obligation, which is much stronger than the legal one."

-Zoran Zaev

"We have learned a lot from the political crisis, from which we came out wiser, that only together, with the inclusion of everyone in society, with everyone being part of the solution and with patience, the desired goal can be achieved."

-Zoran Zaev

"The UN is a place for short meetings and conversations with many of our friends from around the world."

-Zoran Zaev