Address by President Pendarovski at the opening of the exhibition “Am I That Name or That Image?” at the Museum of Contemporary Art

27 September 2019 | Speeches

The President of the Republic of North Macedonia, Stevo Pendarovski, at the Museum of Contemporary Art – Skopje, attended and addressed this evening the opening of the exhibition “Am I That Name or That Image?” of the Thessaloniki Museum of Contemporary Art.

Below is the integral text of President Pendarovski’s address.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Art lovers,

Dear friends,

Art recognizes no boundaries and divisions, and its essential role, at least in my humble opinion, is to support coexistence and common future among nations. That is why artists have always been the main builders of bridges that connect us; they are also the first messengers of peace and understanding between us.

It is my extraordinary honor to address the opening of this exhibition, which is historic, the first presentation of the Thessaloniki Museum of Contemporary Art to the Macedonian audience with works from its collection.

What is happening here tonight should pave the path for other institutions and organizations in our country to follow. It is a path that the citizens of both countries should follow. The Museum of Contemporary Art in Skopje, as the most competent and important institution in discovering, nurturing and spreading high values ​​created in the art and culture of our time, opens up a new era in the cultural cooperation between North Macedonia and Greece. Most sincere congratulations to the Museum team, focused on this new chapter of cooperation, which will undoubtedly bring values ​​that suit two neighboring and friendly, European countries.

This event tonight, coincides with another important event, I would not call it historic (because we are all fed up with history in the Balkans) that happened in my Cabinet this morning – presentation of credentials of the first Greek Ambassador, thus raising the level of diplomatic representation of the Hellenic Republic in our country.

Today’s events are expected, logical and natural course of the processes following the signing of the Prespa Agreement. On this occasion, I would like to extend my appreciation to all those politicians and artists who have patiently worked on opening the gates in the past years and decades that have enabled, today and in the years to come I hope, people and ideas to move freely through.

Ladies and gentlemen,

The art of time immemorial heralded the future we live in. If this is so, then we can proudly say that our generation has laid the foundation for ending prejudice and divisions. I hope we all agree that we all deserve to live in happier times, enjoying the beauties of life, as only art can present them.

With this thought, let me declare the exhibition open.

Thank you.

 

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