Skopje, 26 November 2024 (MIA) - North Macedonia and Japan signed Tuesday a Memorandum of Understanding on Cultural Cooperation. The document, which aims to bring the two cultures closer together, was signed by Minister of Culture and Tourism Zoran Ljutkov and Japan's Commissioner for Cultural Affairs, Shunichi Tokura, in Skopje. 

“For us this is a historic visit since our commitments to strengthen the close and friendly ties with Japan are materializing with the signing of the Memorandum on cultural cooperation, which is the first document in this field between the two countries. We expect direct and fruitful communication that will enable reciprocal visits of ensembles and performing artists from the field of music, theatre, film; cooperation between museums, galleries and art centers; exchange of experiences in the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage, etc.,” Minister Ljutkov said.

The Minister expressed gratitude for the overall assistance provided by Japan to the country in the form of donations, grants and projects, and voiced his conviction that the visit will be first in a series of meetings with the goal of bringing the two cultures together, as cultures that promote dialogue, partnership and building a more harmonious future. 

The Culture Minister also announced the country’s upcoming presentation at the Expo 2025 Osaka, where an exhibition will be held to mark the 60th anniversary of Kenzo Tange’s master plan for the reconstruction of Skopje after it was destroyed in a devastating earthquake in 1963.

Japan’s Commissioner for Cultural Affairs, Shunichi Tokura, stressed that the signing of the Memorandum in a year that marks three decades of bilateral relations will represent an enormous encouragement for the development of bilateral cooperation in all fields of culture and arts. Tokura, who is a composer, said he is happy to have the opportunity to get acquainted with Macedonian artists and learn more about Macedonian culture during his visit. 

As part of his working visit to the country, Commissioner Tokura will pay a visit to the Philharmonic, the Museum of the Macedonian Struggle for Independence, as well as Skopje’s Old Bazaar where he will see an exhibition of paintings by Macedonian artist Vangel Kodzoman at the Daut Pasha Hamam.

On Tuesday, Minister Ljutkov and Commissioner Tokura will attend a concert marking 30 years of bilateral relations between the two countries. 

Photo: MIA