Skopje, 26 November 2024 (MIA) - President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova met Tuesday with a delegation from the Japanese Government, headed by Japan’s Commissioner for Cultural Affairs, Shunichi Tokura, who is paying a working visit to the country while it marks 30 years of diplomatic relations with Japan.

At the meeting, which was also attended by the Minister of Culture and Tourism, Zoran Ljutkov, interlocutors exchanged views on the overall relations between the two countries, as well as the role of cultural policy and diplomacy and the significance of promoting cultural cooperation.

President Siljanovska-Davkova welcomed Commissioner Tokura’s visit as the first visit by a high representative from the Japanese Government in the field of culture. She also praised the signing of the Memorandum on cooperation in culture between the two countries, voicing her belief that it will greatly encourage the development of cultural ties between the two countries. 

Assessing that the Memorandum creates new opportunities for the strengthening of cultural cooperation, the President voiced support of all activities and initiatives aimed at establishing cultural exchange and dialogue, as well as development projects in the area of cultural tourism.

The President noted her satisfaction with the fact that several renowned Macedonian artists will present the country at Expo 2025 Osaka, with an exhibition that portrays the features of the significant project for Skopje’s post-earthquake reconstruction created by Japanese architect Kenzo Tange.

At the meeting, President Siljanovska-Davkova stressed that Japan has proven its friendship on numerous occasions and voiced gratitude for the continued Japanese assistance in the form of various donations, grants and projects aiming to stimulate the country’s economic and social development.

In that context, at the meeting it was assessed that Japan’s Western Balkans Cooperation Initiative is especially important for the country, as is the sharing of Japan’s experience in the development of human resources and boosting capacities. 

Photo: Office of the President