Skopje, 20 October 2022 (MIA) – The fifth North Macedonia-Italy cooperation programme in the field of culture, education and science, which Culture Minister Bisera Kostadinovska-Stojchevska and Italian Ambassador Andrea Silvestri signed on Thursday, contains more intensive cooperation among counterpart institutions, exchange of artists, scientists and young people, along with a broad specter of activities that will bring the two countries even closer. Minister Kostadinovska-Stochevska said the programme offers the chance to enhance communication, exchange experiences and promote the countries’ values. “We are satisfied from prior achievements but we know we can always do better in the exchange of experiences related to protection of cultural heritage, fostering of countries’ languages, cinematography, Venice Biennial presentation, observance of St.Cyril in Rome. The programme offers specific benefits for the youth in the fields of science, education and culture, including scholarships, exchanges and joint opportunities,” said Kostadinovska-Stojchevska. Ambassador Silvestri said cooperation in the culture sector, where Italy is considered a superpower, was among the topics of discussion during last month’s official visit of Italian President Sergio Mattarella to Skopje. “I am happy that only a month after the visit we have managed to sign this significant document,” said Silvestri. The Ambassador highlighted the cultural projects realized by the two countries, saying a week dedicated to Italian cuisine would take place in the coming period, while noting that the agreement is also focused on promoting the Italian and Macedonian languages, the Ministry of Culture said in a press release.