President of Republic of Macedonia Dr. Gjorge Ivanov today in Ohrid met Irina Bokova, Director General of UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

At the meeting President Ivanov expressed his contentment that this year the 50th anniversary of the international cultural event “Struga Poetry Evenings” is officially included in the UNESCO programme for observance of jubilees of important events.

President Ivanov, highlighting that Republic of Macedonia was the initiator and the first host country of the SEE Summit of Heads of States in 2003 dedicated to the Dialogue among the civilizations, expressed satisfaction with the fact that these gatherings were and remain to be of great importance for the advancement of the overall relations in the region, creating new spirit of mutual understanding and cooperation. In this regard President Ivanov informed the UNESCO Director General that at the forthcoming Summit in Belgrade he will make Republic of Macedonia’s candidature official, in cooperation with UNESCO to be the host of the 10th meeting of this type in 2013.

President Ivanov stressed that Republic of Macedonia is actively promoting and participating in UNESCO activities on national and international level, employing strong efforts in protecting the vast cultural and historical heritage, but also in affirming the entire region which throughout the history has been the center of the European and world civilization, and the center of cultural intersection.

The two interlocutors have agreed that the fruitful cooperation between Republic of Macedonia and UNESCO so far will continue in future, through implementation of joint projects and initiatives. At the same time, they have reached the conclusion that today the appropriate treatment of the civilization heritage could also serve the economic development of the countries, especially through the creative industries and the cultural tourism. 

Ms. Bokova informed president Ivanov on the reform processes she has initiated within UNESCO. She highlighted that the preserving of the cultural heritage is a responsibility of the member countries, extending congratulations for all that Republic of Macedonia has accomplished in that regard.