The Embassy of the Republic of Macedonia in Brussels works to ensure productive relations between Macedonia and Belgium and other international players based in Brussels. The embassy serves the Macedonian Diaspora and provides services to potential investors and tourism visitors interested in travelling to Macedonia.
In his introduction to the web site of the Embassy, Lazar Elenovski, Macedonia’s Ambassador to Brussels, explains, “Our primary mission is to represent the Republic of Macedonia to the Kingdom of Belgium and consistently contribute to the bilateral relations of our two countries. Our embassy bridges good political, economical, cultural and social relations between our two countries and people. The Embassy of the Republic of Macedonia in Brussels provides assistance to Macedonian citizens residing or travelling in the Kingdom of Belgium, as well as Belgian citizens who are interested in working, investing and travelling in Macedonia. The Republic of Macedonia is grateful to the Kingdom of Belgium for the continuous support for the euro-Atlantic integration processes of Macedonia.” He adds, “Joining both NATO and the EU is Macedonia’s most strategic goal.”
European cultural identity
The embassy regularly hosts events in Brussels to encourage contacts between Macedonia, its Belgian partners and other international organisations. One recent event was the International Symposium on Cultural Diplomacy in the EU. At this event, the ambassador delivered a speech on “Cultural Diplomacy in General and the Case of Macedonia” in which he commented that cultural diplomacy is becoming increasingly important thanks to globalisation and the technological revolution, which has enabled close contacts and communication between cultures from all corners of the world.
Lazar Elenovski also highlighted Macedonia’s European culture. He said, “Macedonia’s cultural identity is a European one… As to when Macedonia will become part of a united Europe, we regard that as a question of ‘when’ rather than ‘if’.” The ambassador also stressed Macedonia’s openness to other cultures as well as its commitment to EU integration. Embassy of the Republic of Macedonia in Brussels welcomes the chance to serve international investors and travellers looking to explore opportunities in Macedonia.
20 years of established diplomatic relations
In 2014, Republic of Macedonia and the Kingdom of Belgium celebrate 20 years of establishing diplomatic relations. For this occasion, the Macedonian Embassy in Brussels hosted a diplomatic reception to mark the anniversary. Lazar Elenovski highlighted that the promotion of the Macedonian rich cultural legacy will be carried out through several international music festivals and the organization of the Macedonian Culture Days event in a few cities in Flanders this year. “As far the promotion of Macedonia’s economic potentials is concerned, particularly worth mentioning are the various forms of cooperation with the chambers of commerce and a number of well-performing Belgian companies, the most significant of which is that with Van Hool, the Belgian bus-maker, which undertook the largest Belgian investment in Macedonia”, the ambassador pointed out.
