President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova described Struga as a city where ethnic, religious and all other differences are respected and harmonized, praising it as a model of coexistence. She made the statement following today’s meeting with the Mayor of the Municipality of Struga, Mendi Qyra, during which they discussed the situation in the municipality, interethnic relations and the challenges of preserving the Ohrid Region, which is under UNESCO protection.
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Siljanovska-Davkova explained that the choice of Struga for the visit carried symbolic significance, as it took place on the day marking the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Ohrid Framework Agreement. According to her, the city demonstrates that diversity can be respected and communities can live together.
One issue that particularly drew the president’s attention was how the independent mayor, supported by citizens of different ethnic backgrounds and political beliefs, helps bridge divisions and unite the community around shared interests.
The discussion focused on citizens’ specific concerns, as well as the responsibilities of local authorities and state institutions to maintain the Ohrid Region’s UNESCO status. Following the meeting, Siljanovska-Davkova emphasized the need for coordinated action between the central and local levels in order to make use of the opportunity provided and fulfill the obligations arising from UNESCO’s decisions.
“For me, one of the important issues is how we approach the opportunity over these five years to make use of the trust and chance that UNESCO has given us. The Mayor of the Municipality of Struga has a very important role, as do the Mayor of the Municipality of Ohrid, the Ministry of Culture and the other ministries—in other words, the state,” Siljanovska-Davkova said.
She said that she had asked to be briefed on the priorities and initial measures planned by the local authorities to protect the region. The president added that the condition of Lake Ohrid and the surrounding area was of particular concern to her, both as head of state and as a citizen.
In her assessment, the Ohrid Region is a rare case among protected areas because its value is not limited to a single site or location, but encompasses its entire natural and cultural heritage.
Siljanovska-Davkova said the meeting also addressed cooperation with Albania on protecting the lake. She noted that the neighboring country had recently implemented serious measures from which important lessons could be learned.
For his part, Mayor Mendi Qyra said the Framework Agreement remained the foundation of coexistence in Macedonia, which was why the topic featured prominently in the meeting.
Qyra called for a more serious commitment to implementing the recommendations aimed at protecting the Ohrid Region. He also emphasized the need for a more responsible approach to resolving issues and fulfilling UNESCO-related obligations.
