This wonderful city, a true crossroads between empires and civilisations, between peoples and faiths [...].

This description of Skopje, the city which gave his family refuge and security in the wake of the Second World War, stems from Macedonian author and diplomat Luan Starova, who died earlier this year. Starova provides an impressive illustration of how his family and he experienced the diversity and vitality, but also the contradictions, of their new home and country – the country which, decades later, he served as an ambassador.

Diversity, vitality and at the same time contradictions – all still visible in Skopje even today. The Memorial House of Mother Teresa, a place which gives great hope, is just a few hundred metres away from the Holocaust Memorial Center. And just a few metres on stands the Church of the Holy Saviour with the grave of Goce Delchev, where I laid a wreath this afternoon.

President Pendarovski, I and the whole German delegation are delighted to be your guests here in your wonderful, diverse country. We are all looking forward to gaining many impressions of your country and of the cooperation between North Macedonia and Germany.

Thank you, Mr President, for the trustful exchanges we have had and will have over these two days, and generally for our good partnership, which you yourself mentioned a few moments ago. I know that democracy is a matter close to your heart, and that is something we have in common. I am really keen to visit your Presidential Center for Political Education tomorrow. You have set a clear compass for your country while remaining mindful of the need for balance – not least in the passionate debates on your country’s accession to the EU.

You may rest assured that Germany will be at your side in what is not an easy process towards EU membership. I had the privilege of speaking about this in parliament today. I have respect for the readiness to compromise that you have had to show again and again over the past few years, and I have respect for your courage on what is a rather bumpy road to the European Union. I firmly believe that the path to Europe is worth even the next, challenging step!

At the same time, we in Germany are very grateful to know that North Macedonia is on our side; that is always true, but particularly so since the start of Russia’s brutal war of aggression against Ukraine. Now more than ever, we in Europe must not allow ourselves to be divided. Now more than ever, we need strong alliances.

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, thank you very much for your marvellous hospitality and for our trustful cooperation – now and in the future. Allow me to propose a toast to the good relations between our two countries and to the health of the President and his family!