The Embassy in Paris, on September 10 and 11, 2026, organized a ceremonial reception on the occasion of National Day - September 8, which also marked the 35th anniversary of the country's independence.
The ceremony was held in the salons of the Embassy, in the presence of representatives of the diplomatic corps, the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France, UNESCO, as well as prominent figures from political, public and cultural life and representatives of the Macedonian diaspora.
The reception began with a striking performance of the anthems of Macedonia and France, interpreted by the young Macedonian singer Jovana Krstevska, who lives and works in Paris.
The attendees were addressed by Ambassador Prof. Dr. Igor Nikolov, who welcomed the guests and referred to the historical significance of September 8th.
With immense pride and joy, I express my most sincere gratitude on the occasion of this great day, when Macedonian citizens, courageously and responsibly, fulfilled the vow of their ancestors and democratically, through a referendum and with an overwhelming majority, declared themselves a sovereign and independent state - emphasized Ambassador Nikolov.
He emphasized that the vision is for Macedonia to be a stable and prosperous European country, but, above all, a homeland in which young people will choose to start families, create and build their future.
There is a saying: 'Peoples write their history, and diplomats have the privilege of bringing its chapters closer.' This evening is a wonderful example of diplomacy, which foregrounds culture, knowledge and human ties that connect the two countries - said the ambassador.
During the ceremony, Ambassador Nikolov presented a certificate to the renowned French professor of medicine and academician, Prof. Ziyad Massy, confirming his selection as a visiting professor at the Faculty of Medicine at the University "Sts. Cyril and Methodius" in Skopje.
The ambassador emphasized that the recognition testifies to the academic excellence and dedication of Professor Massy, but also to the commitment of the university institutions to promoting the exchange of knowledge, scientific cooperation and ties between the Macedonian and French medical communities.
Professor, please accept our warmest congratulations. We are convinced that your contribution will enrich the teaching, research and cooperation at the Faculty of Medicine in Skopje – said Nikolov.
The gala evening was also enriched by a performance by the eminent Macedonian opera artists Durlovski. Their performance, in front of numerous guests from the diplomatic corps, introduced a strong and moving artistic dimension to the celebration of the Macedonian national holiday and presented the richness of Macedonian culture to the French and international public.
The Independence Day celebration in Paris lasted two days with several events. On September 10, Igro and Ana Durlovski held a concert in front of the diplomatic corps, and on September 11, the doors of the Embassy were opened to the diaspora.
