SKOPJE, NORTH MACEDONIA — From May 20 to 23, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje hosted a series of grand events marking its 75th anniversary, with the Confucius Institute's Chinese Dean Wei Liao, Foreign Dean Vlatko Stoilkov, and several faculty representatives in attendance.
On the evening of May 21, an anniversary gala concert took place at the Faculty of Music, commencing with the national anthem of North Macedonia and the university's anthem. President Gordana Siljanovska Davkova, the country's first female president, delivered a keynote speech, followed by addresses from University Rector Biljana Angelova and Student Union President Aleksandar Nikolovski. The event featured a documentary titled "75 Years of Academic Journey," highlighting the institution's challenging history, remarkable achievements, and promising future. A captivating artistic performance was then presented by the Macedonian Philharmonic Orchestra in collaboration with professors and students from the Music Arts Faculty.
At a subsequent cocktail reception, Liao Wei engaged in cordial conversations with both the president and the rector, who lauded the Confucius Institute's significant contributions to Chinese language education and cultural exchange between North Macedonia and China.
On May 23 at 9 a.m., led by the institute's deans, Confucius Institute teachers paid homage to the revered educators and university patrons, Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Skopje, at their monument within the university campus. This floral tribute symbolized not only respect for history and tradition but also anticipation for future collaborations between the two institutions.
Looking ahead, the Confucius Institute is poised to continue its role as a bridge, fostering enhanced cooperation in education and culture between China and North Macedonia, thereby injecting fresh impetus into the bilateral relations.
