North Macedonia's deputy PM: Decade-later China visit opens new chapter

At the 7th China-CEEC Local Leaders' Meeting and the 2026 Shandong International Friendship Cities Cooperation in Jinan, east China's Shandong Province, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Inter-Community Relations of North Macedonia, Ivan Stoilković, spoke with CGTN's Zhang Meng. This marks the first high-level official visit by North Macedonia to China in a decade.

Stoilković noted that China holds a truly important place in world history, both past and present. He said China's breakthroughs in science and technology over the past two decades have earned deep admiration from the people of North Macedonia.

Speaking in Shandong, the birthplace of Confucius, he quoted the great philosopher: "One who is a true human being helps others to stand firm when they wish to stand firm, and helps others to succeed when they wish to succeed." In his view, China's development not only benefits the country itself, but also reflects a willingness to share experience and pursue progress together with other nations. North Macedonia looks forward to achieving more development goals through cooperation with China.