― 24 марта 2026 г.

Signature of a cooperation protocol between TURKSOY and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of North Macedonia

A cooperation protocol was signed between the International Organisation of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY) and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of North Macedonia in a ceremony held in the Headquarters of TURKSOY in Ankara.

The ceremony was attended by Mr. Zoran Ljutkov, the Minister of Culture and Tourism of North Macedonia; Mr. Sultan Raev, the Secretary General of TURKSOY and H.E.Mr. Akkan Mahmut, the Ambassador of North Macedonia to Ankara and National Coordinator for Tourism in North Macedonia along with many guests.

Speaking at the ceremony, TURKSOY Secretary General Sultan Raev underlined the fact that beyond being a cooperation document between the two institutions, this Memorandum of Understanding signed between TURKSOY and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of North Macedonia representsa significant step towards the further strengthening of the cultural rapprochement between peoplesas well as in terms of the support provided to the preservation of cultural heritage and to the development of artistic production.

Secretary General Raev who noted that with its multilingual, multi-confessional and multicultural structure, North Macedonia represents one of the strongest examples of a cultural cohabitation in the Balkans said that: “The coexistence of different identities within a framework of mutual respect and understanding is a valuable experience that deserves close attention not only in regional terms but also at a global level.”

Secretary General Raev also stated that with its historical and cultural heritage, the Turkish community living in North Macedonia is an integral part of the Turkic World and serves as a bridge between different cultures.

The Minister of Culture and Tourism of North Macedonia Mr. Zoran Ljutkov who also said a few words at the ceremony noted that the friendly relations between the two countries have been further strengthened through cultural cooperation. Minister Ljutkov further added that this cooperation protocol will contribute to the rapprochement of peoples and to the preservation of cultural heritage as well as to an increased interaction among artists.

The protocol aims at the development of joint projects to be carried out in the fields of culture, art, literature, performing arts, museum and library activities, and cultural heritage as well as at the organisation of exchange programmes for artist and experts along with the establishment of mechanisms to foster knowledge sharing.

Following the signature of the protocol, the ceremony ended with the handover of  souvenirs and a group photograph taken as a remembrance of the day.