I am grateful for the support that your organization gave me while I was a member of the United States Senate in our efforts to have Macedonia become a member of NATO and the European Union.

It is my pleasure to recognize UMD for its decade-long role in helping move Macedonia closer to its goals, including full integration into the Euro-Atlantic Community…I urge all of you, collectively and individually, to remain engaged on Macedonia’s issues and to further Macedonia’s economic and political development by working to advance the democratic ideals and reforms that are needed to move Macedonia forward.

For ten years now, the United Macedonian Diaspora has worked to promote the interest and needs of Macedonians and Macedonian communities within Maryland and across the world. Through your work, you have brought Macedonians together and strengthened the connections between the Republic of Macedonia and other nations.