The United Macedonian Diaspora calls for closer ties between Macedonia and New Zealand, based on shared democratic and multicultural values, as well as cultural and economic cooperation.
According to UMD’s Director of Australia, Ordan Andreevski: “Closer ties can be achieved with a permanent Macedonian diplomat in New Zealand, such as a Consul General. Such a diplomat can nurture ties with the host government, as well as with the Macedonian diaspora community in New Zealand, which can act as a bridge between the two countries.”
Andreevski added: “New Zealand is a very important nation in the South Pacific and at the UN, with a strong economy and growing influence across the Asia Pacific region. Unfortunately, the New Zealand government has yet to extend full diplomatic recognition to Macedonia under its constitutional name. This is extremely disappointing and has to change.”
At present, the Macedonian Embassy in Canberra, which has been without a Head of Mission since Decemebr 2011, handles New Zealand.
UMD also calls upon Foreign Minister Murray McCully to appoint an Ambassador to Macedonia in the near future.
UMD President Metodija A. Koloski visited New Zealand in February 2010, as part of his speaking tour of Australia and NZ. During his visit, he met with Mr. George Troup from the NZ Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Wellington, as well as with the Macedonian community in Auckland and Wellington. In late October 2011, UMD reached out to New Zealand and all the other member states from the South Pacific who attended the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Perth, Western Australia, encouraging closer relations with the Republic of Macedonia. UMD is planning to appoint a Country Director for New Zealand in 2013.
