Use of Albanian as official language in North Macedonia vital for Albanians, says senior govt official

19 December 2024 — Zoran Dimitrievski, North Macedonia’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, has weighed in on the ongoing discussions about making Albanian an official language in the country. Speaking in Korça at a conference marking 80 years of Macedonian language teaching in Albania, Dimitrievski said that recognising Albanian officially is key to ensuring equality and security for the Albanian community in North Macedonia.

He stated, “The use of Albanian as an official language is crucial for the security and equality of Albanians living here.”

Dimitrievski added that he believes North Macedonia’s Constitutional Court will not make a decision that could harm the use of Albanian, as it would damage relations between ethnic groups. He stressed that both Albanian and Macedonian languages should be respected, as they play a key role in strengthening ties between the two countries.

The debate around using Albanian in official contexts such as courts, police uniforms, and currency continues to be a significant issue. Albanians make up a considerable part of North Macedonia’s population, making this debate central to the wider discussion on ethnic relations in the country.

Dimitrievski also touched on the Ohrid Framework Agreement, which aims to protect the rights of all ethnic groups in North Macedonia. He called on all sides to respect these agreements to ensure stability.