AMN / NEWS DESK
President Droupadi Murmu today addressed the Assembly of North Macedonia in Skopje during her historic state visit, the first ever by an Indian President to the country. Addressing the House, the President conveyed the goodwill of 1.4 billion Indians and described North Macedonia as an important partner in building a stable, multipolar and prosperous global future.
Highlighting the centuries-old civilisational links between the two countries, President Murmu said historical connections continue to flourish through shared cultural values, yoga, cinema and academic exchanges. She noted that Mother Teresa, born in Skopje, and Mahatma Gandhi symbolize the enduring bonds between the two nations. The President said she would pay tribute to Mother Teresa and present a bust of Mahatma Gandhi to the people of North Macedonia.
Emphasising the shared democratic values of India and North Macedonia, President Murmu said Parliaments are the guardians of people’s freedoms and called for greater parliamentary exchanges, including interactions between young legislators of both countries. She also highlighted India’s democratic journey, describing its general elections as the world’s largest democratic exercise, and spoke about the increasing participation of women in governance through Panchayati Raj institutions and the landmark legislation providing one-third reservation for women in Parliament and State Assemblies.
The President said India sees Southeast Europe as a region of growing strategic importance and described North Macedonia as a gateway connecting the Mediterranean with Central Europe. She reaffirmed India’s commitment to expanding cooperation in trade, investment and other emerging sectors.
Calling for greater global cooperation, President Murmu invoked the Indian philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam-the world is one family-and urged nations to build bridges instead of walls. She expressed confidence that India and North Macedonia would transform their historic friendship into a stronger partnership for peace, prosperity and shared progress.
India and North Macedonia agree to enhance trade and cooperation in key sectors
President Droupadi Murmu today said India and North Macedonia have reaffirmed their deep and friendly ties, based on shared democratic values and mutual respect. She also announced that India will double the number of ITEC training slots for North Macedonia, including courses in artificial intelligence. Addressing the media in Skopje after talks with President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, President Murmu said both sides reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on regional and global issues.
The President said India and North Macedonia agreed to promote greater trade and investment, while expanding cooperation in sectors such as IT and IT-enabled services, agriculture, food processing, pharmaceuticals, textiles, biotechnology, tourism, hospitality and film-making. She said the India-North Macedonia Business Forum will provide a valuable platform to strengthen economic engagement.
President Murmu welcomed North Macedonia’s intent to join global initiatives led by India, including the International Solar Alliance, the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure and the Global Biofuels Alliance.
Highlighting cultural ties, the President said both countries will renew the Memorandum of Understanding on healthcare cooperation, with a special focus on traditional systems of medicine. She also expressed happiness over the joint unveiling of a bust of Mahatma Gandhi at the Museum of Skopje, describing it as a symbol of the shared values that unite the people of India and North Macedonia.
President Murmu expressed confidence that her landmark visit will further strengthen the multifaceted partnership between the two countries and take bilateral relations to new heights.
Earlier, President Murmu received a warm ceremonial welcome at Villa Vodno, the official residence of the President of North Macedonia, in Skopje. The welcome marked the beginning of her state engagements during her historic visit to the country. President Murmu was received by the President of North Macedonia, Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, at Villa Vodno. A ceremonial guard of honour was presented to the visiting Indian President, followed by the playing of the national anthems of India and North Macedonia.
As part of her historic State Visit to North Macedonia, President Droupadi Murmu paid homage to one of the country’s most revered national heroes, Gotce Delchev. President Murmu laid a wreath at the grave of Goce Delčev, located at the Church of St. Spas in Skopje. The ceremony reflected India’s respect for North Macedonia’s rich history and its national heroes.
President Murmu’s visit is the first-ever visit by an Indian President to North Macedonia, marking an important milestone in India-North Macedonia relations. The visit reflects India’s commitment to expanding cooperation with countries in the Balkan region.