Mickoski in Pustec Promises Support for Projects and Preservation of Macedonian Identity in Little Prespa

The Prime Minister of North Macedonia, Hristijan Mickoski, visited Pustec this Thursday, where he was welcomed by the mayor, Pali Kolefski.

During the meeting, he focused on strengthening relations with the Macedonian community of Little Prespa and on the possibility that the government of North Macedonia could contribute to the development of projects in the area.

Mickoski said the aim was to support some of these projects, depending on the available possibilities. He said that mayors and representatives of Macedonians in Albania would be invited to his office and to the Government of North Macedonia, with the aim of drawing up a joint plan on how the state and the government could provide their support.

The Macedonian prime minister also stressed the need to preserve the Macedonian language and culture, particularly through the involvement of the younger generation.

“Our duty is to create stronger institutional ties with Macedonians in Little Prespa, greater support for cultural associations, more books, opportunities to learn and cultivate the Macedonian language, and more exchanges among pupils and young people. Little Prespa is the best proof that borders can divide territories, but they cannot erase culture, family memory and a sense of belonging,” Mickoski said.

He added that he wanted to express his respect for all generations of Macedonians in Little Prespa, who, according to him, have preserved their heritage with silence, dignity and perseverance. In his speech, Mickoski mentioned the parents who taught their children their native language, teachers, cultural workers and associations that have kept the tradition alive, as well as all those who have understood that the greatest national achievements do not always take place in front of cameras and podiums.

According to him, preserving identity also takes place in everyday life, when a grandmother tells her grandchild a family story, or when a parent teaches a child a Macedonian word and song.