Macedonia has officially undertaken the year-long chairmanship of the Council of Ministers of Culture of South East Europe (COMOCOSEE).

At a meeting held in Brdo pri Kranju, Culture Minister Elizabeta Kanceska-Milevska thanked outgoing chair-country Slovenia for promotion of SEE countries' cooperation within UNESCO, EU, Council of Europe in the field of culture and cultural heritage.

"Republic of Slovenia was perhaps the most prominent supporter of uniting COMOCOSEE with the UNESCO platform for cultural heritage in SEE, which will more efficiently implement our common political will at the highest level, a platform leading the region towards balanced and sustainable development", said Kanceska-Milevska.

She announced Macedonia would focus on regional cooperation, put emphasis on the significance of cultural heritage as a factor of sustainable development, but also promoting its social significance.

Moreover, the "Skopje Agenda" will be reaffirmed, encompassing the establishment of a regional monitoring and advisory group following the effects of several regional projects.

"We believe that 'Skopje Agenda' will contribute to the building of democratic stability and processes of citizens' involvement, as well as increase of the potential of heritage towards improving quality of life", stressed Kanceska-Milevska.

SEE culture ministers, representatives of UNESCO, Council of Europe and the European Union also adopted a Declaration, committing to more intensive cooperation.