President Gordana Siljanovska Davkova received today a delegation from the Japanese Government, led by Japan’s Commissioner for Cultural Affairs, Shunichi Tokura, whose working visit takes place in the year marking the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
At the meeting, which was also attended by the Minister of Culture and Tourism, Zoran Ljutkov, the interlocutors exchanged views on the overall bilateral relations between the two countries, as well as on the role of cultural policy and diplomacy and the importance of promoting cooperation in the field of culture.
President Siljanovska Davkova welcomed the visit of Shunichi, as the first visit of a high-ranking representative of the Japanese government in the field of culture, and welcomed the signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation in the field of culture between the two countries, expressing confidence that it will represent a strong impetus for the development of cultural ties between the two countries.
Assessing that the Memorandum opens new opportunities for deepening cultural cooperation, the President expressed her support for all activities and initiatives aimed at establishing cultural exchange and dialogue, as well as development projects in the field of cultural tourism.
In this regard, she emphasized her commitment to international cooperation, promoting cultural exchange as part of diplomatic relations, for the development of Macedonian cultural centers abroad and appropriate presentation of Macedonian cultural values in world museums.
In the talks with Shunichi, the President expressed satisfaction that several renowned Macedonian artists will represent our country at EXPO OSAKA 2025, with an exhibition that reflects the features of the significant project for the post-earthquake reconstruction of Skopje, by the Japanese architect Kenzo Tange.
At the meeting, the President said that Japan has repeatedly confirmed its friendship towards our country and expressed gratitude for the continuous Japanese support through various donations, grants and projects that aim to stimulate our economic and social development.
In this regard, it was assessed that the Japanese initiative for cooperation with the countries of the Western Balkans is particularly important for us, as well as the sharing of Japanese experience and knowledge in the area of human resource development and capacity improvement.
