Skopje, 21 March 2023 (MIA) - Minister of Culture Bisera Kostadinovska-Stojchevska addressed an event observing the 100th anniversary from the birth of Macedonian poet Aco Shopov, held at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris on Tuesday.

"I am certain these moments dedicated to the great Aco Shopov will remain deeply engraved in our memory. This observance held at the UNESCO HQ, on World Poetry Day, has symbolism because Shopov was renowned as a great humanist and cosmopolite, a writer who dedicated his entire talent solely to poetry," said Minister Kostadinovska-Stojchevska.

She added that Shopov's poetry has a universal character, reaching the broad global public and promoting the beauty of the Macedonian language and literature, and Macedonian culture in general, the Ministry of Culture said in a press release.

"By recognizing Shopov's significance, UNESCO has included the anniversary of his birth in the calendar of significant jubilees supported by the organization in 2022 and 2023. This is another validation that there is nothing more important than sharing cultural values, especially because we are all working on the promotion of the European values," said Kostadinovska-Stojchevska.

The Culture Minister noted the Paris gathering is part of the rich programme within national initiative "2023 - Year of Aco Shopov", under the auspices of President Stevo Pendarovski, including numerous events that commemorate one of the greatest Macedonian 20th-century poets.

Kostadinovska-Stojchevska thanked UNESCO and its Director-General Audrey Azoulay for the event's organization, noting the UNESCO is North Macedonia's partner, a common home of culture open to all nations worldwide.

The Paris event also included an international symposium on poetry in languages spoken in smaller areas, screening of animated film "Grozomor" made according to the namesake poem by Shopov and inspired by the 1963 Skopje earthquake, as well as a poetry performance and an exhibit.     

Photo: Ministry of Culture