Skopje, 8 September 2022 (MIA) - The Republic of North Macedonia and the Czech Republic have excellent relations in terms of foreign policy, within the framework of regional cooperation, the EU and NATO. Two countries also have potential for more intensified cooperation in the sphere of culture, concluded Culture Minister Bisera Kostadinovska Stojchevska and the Czech Deputy Culture Minister Ondřej Chrást on Thursday in Prague. Minister Kostadinovska Stojchevska thanked for the support provided by the Czech Republic for the European integration processes of the Western Balkans. She voiced hopes that within the framework of the Czech EU Presidency, more emphasis will be placed on joint efforts to strengthen peace, democracy and dialogue in Europe, Culture Ministry said in a press release. “Talks with Chrást were focused on finding ways to intensify cooperation between the national philharmonics and the opera-ballet houses, galleries, book fairs, as well as about the possibilities of more active cooperation between the international festivals,” Minister Kostadinovska Stojchevska said. During the meeting, she underlined North Macedonia’s activities for inclusion of culture in the EU Agenda for the Western Balkans as well as the good practices of the Macedonian beneficiaries of the Creative Europe programme and of the EU pre-accession assistance in cross-border cooperation programmes. The interlocutors noted that in the coming period they will renew the programme for cooperation between the two ministries and will strengthen communication to establish more active cooperation between related institutions in the two countries. Minister Kostadinovska Stojchevska proposed to initiate joint workshops in the field of creative industries or meetings at an appropriate level, which would exchange experiences in this sphere. Deputy Minister Chrást shared Czech experiences for supporting young artists and initiated activities to support the youngest who have their own international networks of connection and cooperation. They also highlighted the multilateral cooperation between the two countries, especially within the framework of the activities of the Forum of Slavic Cultures. Kostadinovska Stojchevska invited Deputy Minister Chrást to attend the cultural events that are being organized Thursday and Friday in Prague, on the occasion of the Czech Presidency of the EU and North Macedonia’s Independence Day - September 8. Renowned Chamber Orchestra from Bitola will hold a concert with Vlatko Stefanovski and Tamara Todevska Thursday evening within the event Days of Macedonian Culture in the Czech Republic.