Skopje, 29 March 2023 (MIA) – North Macedonia and Italy are two friendly countries, maintaining good communications that are in part a result of the contribution of the significant number of immigrants who live and work in this European country. However, the Italian language as a second foreign language is being taught in a very small number of schools, and one of the reasons is the lack of teachers of Italian, concluded Minister of Education and Science Jeton Shaqiri and Italian Ambassador to North Macedonia, Andrea Silvestri, on Wednesday.

“I am really glad that we agreed to hold a National Conference for the Italian Language in North Macedonia in May at the Ss. Cyril and Methodius University. The main institutions from the field of Italian studies will attend the conference, and the trends and perspectives for the active inclusion and teaching of the Italian language in North Macedonia will be discussed as well, both in the educational system and as a language for professional, cultural and academic opportunities,” stressed Minister Shaqiri.

According to the Ministry of Education, Ambassador Silverstri pledged to organize a Forum in Italy for the presentation of investment opportunities in North Macedonia after the conference, as a step which would further boost bilateral and economic cooperation.

Additionally, Shaqiri informed Silvestri of the main challenges faced by the educational system, as well as the activities meant to tackle them and main continuity in the modernization process.

Photo: Ministry of Education and Science