Honorable Deputy President of the Government Ljupcho Dimovski,

Your Excellency Former President Gjorge Ivanov,

Honourable Ministers, Members of Parliament and Mayors,

Excellencies, members from the diplomatic corps,

Dear compatriots,

Ladies and gentlemen, dear friends,

Good evening!

A big welcome to all. And thank you for joining us in celebrating the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

Seventy-seven years ago, the founding of the People's Republic of China was solemnly proclaimed—marking a historic moment when the Chinese people truly became masters of our country, our society, and our own destiny.

Over the past 77 years, under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, China has achieved the remarkable dual success of rapid economic development and long-term social stability, growing into a confident and active member of the international community.

Embarking with confidence on a new journey, China is advancing national rejuvenation through Chinese modernization. We remain committed to openness, shared benefits, and win-win cooperation; we champion high-quality Belt and Road cooperation; and uphold the Four Global Initiatives. We strive to promote prosperity via development, maintain stability via security, strengthen mutual trust via inter-civilizational dialogue, and advance equity via improved global governance—uniting our efforts to build a community with a shared future for humanity. The moment as we speak, President Xi Jinping is paying a state visit to the US. When China and the United States act on mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation, and work together to turn constructive strategic stability into real outcomes, we can set a new model for major-country relations—and open a brighter future for global peace and prosperity. 

This year marks the inaugural year of China's 15th Five-Year Plan. Over the past year, China's economic development has continued to build new momentum. China has made into the world's top ten in the Global Innovation Index (GII), while its digital economy now accounts for over 10.5 percent of GDP and drives more than 40 percent of economic growth.

The lives of our people are taking on a vibrant new look. Our government remains steadfast in its people-centered approach to development. To date, we have lifted nearly 800 million people out of poverty—accounting for about 75 percent of global poverty reduction over the same period. We have rolled out a comprehensive package of policies spanning employment, education, healthcare, elderly care, and childcare, building the world's largest social security system. All these efforts are united by a single purpose: to meet our people's growing aspirations for a better life and ensure that the fruits of modernization are shared more widely and equitably.

Openness and cooperation are unlocking new opportunities. For 16 consecutive years, China has stood as the world's second-largest import market and remains the proud host of the world's only import-themed international expo. In the first three quarters of this year, China's goods imports surged by 22 percent, with import growth outpacing exports for five straight months. We are firmly committed to building a higher-standard open economy. As the Chinese market continues to thrive, it will inject fresh opportunities and new momentum into global growth.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Europe stands as a vital partner in Chinese modernization. China and Europe are bound together by deep mutual interests, with far more that unites us than divides us.

We have extended our unilateral visa-free policy to European countries, receiving over two million European friends. The China-Europe Railway Express has operated more than 130,000 trips, opening a vibrant new chapter in transcontinental connectivity. This year alone, multiple European leaders have traveled to China, and President Xi Jinping has forged a series of important understandings with them, driving China-Europe relations forward with renewed dynamism.

Over the first eight months of this year, two-way goods trade between China and Europe totaled around US$630 billion, an 8.1 percent increase year on year. China's high-tech imports from Europe last year rose by 11.1 percent, and Europe sustained a services trade surplus of more than US$48 billion with China. Beyond trade, Chinese firms in Europe have generated over 260,000 local jobs, underscoring the deep integration of our economies.

As a member of the European family and an important partner in China-CEEC cooperation, North Macedonia enjoys a valued relationship with China. Over the past year, bilateral exchanges at various levels have grown increasingly close. President Xi Jinping and President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova have maintained regular communication through letters and messages. Just recently, Premier Li Qiang sent congratulations to Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski on the 35th anniversary of North Macedonia's independence. This year, then Deputy President of the Government Ivan Stojiljković, now Minister of Local Self-Government, Governor of the National Bank, the Minister for Roma Affairs, the President of the Energy Regulatory Commission, the Deputy Minister of Finance and the Deputy Minister of Environment, as well as Macedonian journalists have visited China. More than 160 representatives from government, business, academia and other sectors have participated in seminars and training programs in China. The first workshop for Macedonia on urban governance and waste management was successfully held in China, contributing to capacity building in this country.

People-to-people and cultural ties have grown increasingly vibrant. The Sichuan Opera Troupe and Ningbo Symphony Orchestra have graced stages in North Macedonia, while Chinese artists, designers, writers, and poets have brought their talents to the Ohrid Summer Festival, Ilinden Days International Festival, Struga Poetry Festival, Skopje Fashion Week, and the Credence International Dance Festival. A curated collection of poetry by Macedonian poets has also been published in China in Chinese, Macedonian, and English. Beyond the stage, Chinese opera has found a home in Macedonian schools, and Macedonian students have journeyed to China for summer camps and the Chinese Bridge program. Exchanges between universities, experts, and scholars are now more frequent than ever. In a few days, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje (UKIM) will welcome a delegation from Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou) and explore how to further their cooperation.

Earlier this year, the Macedonian Film Festival was successfully held for the first time in China, and the first Chinese Film Festival will be launched in Skopje next week, followed by screenings in Bitola, Veles, Kumanovo and Kočani.

Sport has also emerged as a vibrant bridge of friendship. Chinese taekwondo and handball teams have competed in Skopje, while representatives of the Macedonian Olympic Committee and young table tennis players have traveled to China for training. Meanwhile, basketball coaches and football players have found new avenues for professional growth in China.

Just two weeks ago, Olympic and World champions Yan Sen and Madam Zhang Yining led young Chinese table tennis players to Skopje for the inaugural China-North Macedonia Youth Table Tennis Training Camp. There, more than 30 young players from both countries trained and competed side by side, embodying the very spirit of sports diplomacy.

Practical cooperation is also gaining strong momentum. Since taking office, I have visited nearly 30 municipalities across the country. The Ningbo Council for the Promotion of International Trade and several Chinese business delegations have come to North Macedonia. Last year, trade between Ningbo and North Macedonia grew by 21.4 percent year on year, with Ningbo's imports of electromechanical products from North Macedonia surpassing US$3 million.

On the ground, Ningbo Joyson Electronics has established a strong presence in Kičevo, creating over 1,400 local jobs. The Chinese-Macedonian Chamber of Commerce was also successfully inaugurated. And just a few days ago, Yiwu and Kavadarci signed a memorandum of understanding on friendly exchanges. Closer cooperation between our cities will bring ever more tangible benefits to the people of both nations.

Ladies and gentlemen,

With our economies highly complementary and our friendship deeply rooted, China and North Macedonia have no shortage of win-win cooperation stories—and many more are yet to come.

I wish to extend my heartfelt thanks to all of you, and to friends from across all sectors, for your unwavering care and support.

I am firmly convinced that as long as we uphold mutual respect and equality, deepen mutual trust with objectivity and reason, and continue to support each other's success, China-North Macedonia relations will embrace an even brighter tomorrow.

Tomorrow is the Mid-Autumn Festival, a traditional Chinese festival symbolizing reunion, harmony and togetherness.

May I propose a toast:

To the prosperity and well-being of China and North Macedonia,

to the happiness and good health of our peoples,

and to the reunion, happiness and success of all the guests and your families.

Cheers!