Skopje, 27 October 2025 (MIA) – At a reception marking Austria’s National Day at the National Opera and Ballet, Austrian Ambassador Martin Pammer extended congratulations to the Government and its coalition partners for their success in the recent elections, saying that Austria and North Macedonia share many common positions, which is reflected in their strong bilateral relations across all fields.

In his speech, Pammer recalled the significance of Austria’s National Day, the day the country adopted the Law on Permanent Neutrality, and highlighted Austria’s historical journey, especially over the past 100 years.

“Despite hopes for peace, times have not improved and may have even worsened. Today, Europe faces wars, systemic threats, and global challenges such as climate change, demographics, and migration,” Ambassador Pammer noted.

He underscored that national holidays are an opportunity to reflect on achievements and prepare for the future, highlighting the successful bilateral cooperation between Austria and North Macedonia.

Austrian business, Pammer emphasized, remains the largest direct investor in the Macedonian economy. The Embassy, together with its partners, has contributed to crisis management, support for fire services, tourism development, and cultural cooperation. Particular attention was given to the upcoming performance of the Philharmonic of North Macedonia in Vienna tomorrow, which will be its first such appearance in the Austrian capital.

In the area of security, Pammer said that this year, for the first time, 70 Austrian soldiers participated in a joint military exercise in North Macedonia, and police cooperation has produced results in the fight against crime and illegal migration.

In the social sphere, Austria supports many projects annually, and recently two new centers were opened, one for families at social risk and another for social inclusion.

At the end of the ceremony, Ambassador Pammer presented the ‘Gold Cross of Merit’ of the Republic of Austria to, as he said, four distinguished friends of Austria: Sveto Janevski, Metodija Mirchev, Hristo Pejkov, and Ivan Mirkovski.

The ceremony was attended by the Parliament Speaker, Afrim Gashi, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Timcho Mucunski, Minister of Education and Science, Vesna Janevska, Chief of the General Staff, Sashko Lafchiski as well as representatives from religious communities, the business sector, and civil society.

Photo: MIA