The Prime Minister of the Republic of North Macedonia, Zoran Zaev, was presented with the "Isa-beg Ishakovic" international award at the Sarajevo National Theatre on Wednesday night.

Zaev said in his address that he was honoured with the fact that he was presented with this award named after the founder of Sarajevo.

“I am particularly honoured by the fact that the award also comes with the ‘Search for a Friend’ recognition. The best way to have a friend is to be a friend,” Zaev said, adding that one's special wealth is when they recognize sincere friends.

Noting that North Macedonia implemented the necessary reforms which would make it a country of equal opportunity for all and that it resolved decades-long disputes with neighbouring Greece and Bulgaria, Zaev said the EU should not miss the opportunity to recognize the progress in the Balkans and deservedly reward it.

As in previous years, the “Isa-beg Ishakovic” award ceremony was organized at the highest state level with the participation of numerous public, political and cultural figures and representatives of the diplomatic corps in Bosnia and Herzegovina.