Skopje, 14 December 2023 (MIA) – Culture Minister Bisera Kostadinovska-Stojchevska, alongside women diplomats and public office holders from the country, visited the Kokino archeological site, one of the oldest observatories in the world, as part of a walking tour Thursday aimed at affirming and raising awareness about the cultural heritage of that part of the country.

The Minister said Kokino has always had the support of the Ministry of Culture and the expert public, as well as support from international funds.

“I want to voice my gratitude for the support that our culture is receiving from the U.S. Ambassadors Fund [for Cultural Preservation]. Fifteen projects have received support since 2001. Through this fund, work was done in 2006 for the preservation of the Kokino megalithic observatory. I hope the support will continue for the realization of a part of the action plan for Kokino as well,” said Kostadinovska-Stojchevska.

The Culture Minister noted that Kokino has been added to UNESCO’s World Heritage Tentative List, underscoring that a lot needs to be done for the site to be added to the prestigious list as well.

She stressed that Kokino has great potential that should be used in order to energize the local economy and develop local tourism.

The women diplomats and public office holders who participated in the tour voiced their happiness over the chance to visit Kokino and expressed hope that the site will find itself on UNESCO’s list of protected sites.

Before visiting Kokino, the tour visited the “St. George” church in Staro Nagorichane, where the participants had a chance to get acquainted with the rich history and cultural heritage of that part of the country.

Photo: Ministry of Culture