Pustec, 23 July 2023 (MIA) - It is my first time, but those who visit more often know that the living conditions are excellent, the conditions for learning the Macedonian language are also excellent, there is enough teaching staff, said President Stevo Pendarovski during Sunday's visit to Pustec in Albania.

Pendarovski, alongside First Lady Elizabeta Gjorgievska, visited the center of Pustec where he was welcomed by Albania's President Bajram Begaj and First Lady Armanda Begaj, Pustec Mayor Pali Kolefski, as well as local authorities. 

Pendarovski also visited the church of St. Archangel Michael and the school in Pustec. 

"Today I am here in this school to make a contribution, I bring books in Macedonian language - our classics, works by Blazhe Koneski, Petre M. Andreevski, Zhivko Chingo, etc. In this way, we want to help Macedonian children to learn how to speak the Macedonian language and thus be in constant contact with their homeland," said Pendarovski. 

He announced a series of meetings to confirm that minorities living in other countries enjoy the same conditions they would have in their home countries.

"This means that Macedonians in Albania also have what the Albanians have. The Republic of North Macedonia and the Republic of Albania can be an example for everyone in Europe," said Pendarovski.  

Albanian President Bajram Begaj said Pustec Municipality was a positive example of the partnership relations between the two countries. 

"Of course that the Macedonian minority in Pustec Municipality and the Albanians in North Macedonia are very important in the relations between the two countries. Albanians in North Macedonia are very well integrated into society, contribute to the creation of the state and are active in the political and economic life," said Begaj. 

He noted that the challenges for both countries are great and they need to solve them with joint cooperation.

As part of the agenda, Pendarovski will also visit the village of Golombok and meet with the Association of Macedonians from Albania "Sonce" and local authorities of Pogradec Municipality. 

Photo: MIA