Littlehampton’s relationship with a town in North Macedonia has not yet been made official due to unforeseen circumstances.
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00:00The next item on the agenda also relates to this flag and a lot of the people in the room who've made a little hand from their home.
00:08Back in November, I think it was, I was honoured and amazed to find that I was meeting an ambassador.
00:15Now, I don't know how many people in the room have met ambassadors.
00:19There's one who's met a lot of other ambassadors because she's an ambassador.
00:22But I'd never met an ambassador and I was honoured to receive her in a delegation from the Macedonian community.
00:31And they basically asked, can we twin Littlehampton?
00:36Can we twin Littlehampton with a place that Peter and Loretta might know quite well?
00:40It's the town of Breslin.
00:43And tonight marks the journey of that twinning process starting.
00:48We were hoping to sign a charter tonight.
00:52We were hoping to have the mayor of Breslin here.
00:55But unfortunately, a little bit of bureaucracy got in the way.
01:00And a visa didn't arrive in time or something like that.
01:04So, we will receive a delegation from the municipality.
01:09I hope that was a word and a half to get out, I'm not telling you.
01:12Of Breslin in North Macedonia to sign a charter of friendship.
01:15But ahead of that visit, Katarina Stravreska, the ambassador to the Republic of North Macedonia,
01:23had joined us this evening and would just like to say a few words.
01:36Yomirat Lee, the ambassador to the town center, esteemed members of the local community.
01:43I would not exclude members of the Muslim learning community because they all belong to the same community.
01:47At the outset I wish to express my deepest gratitude for the warm welcome and the spirit of true partnership that we have experienced over the past few months at the UNRCEP.
01:59I truly commend your outstanding leadership I would say in fostering a community where diverse groups feel welcome and supported, including the approximately 200 households of Macedonian origins who proudly call Little Hampton their home.
02:24It has been less than six months as you mentioned since we first met, yet in such a short period of time we have accomplished so much together.
02:37From the very beginning we recognized the opportunity to strengthen the bonds between our communities and your Mayor have been a steadfast supporter of this vision of ours.
02:51Your unwavering commitment has enabled the Macedonian diaspora to flourish in this part of the United Kingdom, enriching both the cultural and economic ties and fabric of this remarkable town.
03:08Little Hampton stands out as one of the few towns in the United Kingdom with such a significant Macedonian community.
03:18Among them are two truly exceptional individuals and leading figures in our local community here, Peter and Goreta, whose decades of dedication, passion and hard work have been instrumental in bridging cultures and bridging people together.
03:37For nearly half a century they have built a legacy that will continue to inspire the future generations.
03:47It was actually their story, especially Peter's roots in the beautiful Presta region, that sparked the idea of twinning Little Hampton with the municipality of Resan as both a symbolic and a practical way to strengthen ties between our communities and our two countries.
04:06Thanks to the excellent cooperation and genuine partnership we have enjoyed with you, Mayor Lee.
04:15We were supposed to sign, as we said today, the Charter of Friendship, a meaningful foundation for a formal hopefully future twinning arrangement and a powerful gesture of friendship between our two communities and our two countries.
04:36Regrettably, the Mayor of Resan could not be with us tonight due to visa delays, as Mayor said.
04:45However, he sends his foremost regards and his full support.
04:50He looks forward to visiting Little Hampton soon when we will have the opportunity to sign the Charter together and celebrate this important milestone as a united front.
05:04Through our shared efforts on the twinning initiative, we remain committed to fostering cultural exchange, encouraging economic cooperation and deepening the bonds that unite our communities.
05:17Finally, as a token of appreciation and a symbol of our growing partnership, I am honoured to present you with a letter of appreciation as a small gesture that reflects the deep respect and gratitude we hold for your leadership, your friendship and your heritage.
05:38Thank you and congratulations to all award winners tonight.
05:51This is the Mayor's Lifetime Award and it goes to Peter and Loretta.
05:54In recognition of their dedication and outstanding contribution to the local business economy and their life in Little Hampton, the time they decided to make their home almost 50 years ago.
06:05Many of you will know Peter and Loretta as the proprietors of the Vardar restaurant and through building their business, they have become the linchpin of the thriving North Macedonian community that now calls Little Hampton their home.
06:16Can I ask Peter and Loretta, who don't have far to walk, to come and join me for this evening?
06:22Thank you very much.