13.02.2015, Friday/ at the Macedonian National Theatre, a musical and dance show took place by the name of "Happy Chinese New Year, amazing Nanchang", performed by the cultural ensemble of Nanchang, as part of the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the twinning of the City of Skopje and Nanchang (People's Republic of China).

 

 

The performance was attended by the President of the Republic of Macedonia, Gjorgje Ivanov, the Mayor of the City of Skopje, Koce Trajanovski, the President of the Council of the City of Skopje, Irena Misheva, the Vice President of the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia, Antonio Miloshoski, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Dragana Kirpijanovska, President of the Cultural Committee and Group for cooperation with China of the Assembly, Mrs. Silvana Boneva, Chief of General Staff Lt. Gen. Gorancho Koteski,representatives of the diplomatic corps, representatives of regional and local authorities from China, as well as representatives of public enterprises and cultural institutions.

 

 

- The realization of events to mark the Chinese New Year is a great opportunity for the presentation and promotion of the ancient Chinese culture to the citizens of Skopje, who have the opportunity for the first time to learn it this way, through the organization of the Spring Festival, which is traditionally held in all cities in the PRC. Also, I am convinced that our friends from Nanchang will enjoy these couple of days the beauties of Skopje and that will leave with positive impressions and the desire to come back. During these days we will have the opportunity to socialize, to exchange opinions about what we can do in terms of strengthening ties and expand areas of cooperation between our two cities, said Mayor Trajanovski.

Mayor Trajanovski also mentioned the cooperation between the two cities over the past 30 years, expressing his gratitude for the assistance by Nanchang and the donation in 2006 for the construction of the Educational Corner in the Skopje Zoo, as well as the financial assistance for the purchase of equipment for the Fire Brigade of the city of Skopje.

- Time goes by and our sister-city friendship has gone through 30 years, withstood the test of time and emerged even stronger. In the past three decades, we have carried out fruitful cooperation and exchanges in the fields of economy, culture, education and arts, especially during the most difficult period of bilateral relations, Skopje and Nanchang maintained a stable friendship. This has contributed a lot to the development of friendly relations between the two countries. We appreciate all you've done for our friendship, and will never forget the profound friendship of Skopje people towards China and Nanchang, said Zhou Shuling, Vice-chairman of the Standing Committee of the National Congress of Nanchang.

 

 

The Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Macedonia, Mr. Wen Zhenshun, expressed his gratitude for the warm reception and emphasized the excellent cooperation between the Republic of Macedonia and the People's Republic of China throughout these years.

I`m really glad to welcome the upcoming Chinese Spring Festival with so many friends altogether in Skopje. Here specially I would like to send my gratitude to H.E. President Ivanov as the Head of the Republic of Macedonia to spend this wonderful moment with us, which strongly expresses the friendly feelings towards the Chinese People from the Macedonian People.

 

 

Meanwhile, we also want to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the twin-city relation between Nanchang and Skopje. More preciously, it`s even 9 years earlier than the establishment of bilateral relations between China and Macedonia. Cooperation and exchange in various fields between the two cities have made special effect to the healthy development of bilateral relations. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mayor Trajanovski for the invitation sent to Nanchang and the elaborate preparation work done by the municipality. Also, I really appreciate that the Municipal Government of Nanchang sent such a big art delegation to provide us with a Spring Festival Performance in typical Jiangxi Style along with the best spring wishes, said the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Macedonia, H.E. Wen Zhenshun.

( City of Skopje )