After Istanbul, Tallinn and Maribor, Macedonian culture will be also presented in Marseilles - this year's European capital of culture - with an exhibition of traditional costumes and jewelry on 5 Sept, whereas several artists from Macedonia will take part in the 7th Francophone Games, slated to be held from 7 to 15 Sept. in Nice.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Culture Minister Elizabeta Kanceska-Milevska said the tradition of presenting Macedonia's culture in the cities proclaimed European capitals of culture was resuming.

"The exhibition of traditional folk costumes, which was already displayed in Brussels, is an exceptional opportunity to present in Marseilles Macedonia's wealth of diversities through hand-made Macedonian national costumes," she stated.

The minister added that Macedonia since 2006 was an official member of the International Organization of the Francophonie. "Our participation is a nice opportunity to contribute to meeting the organization's goals and to developing dialog between cultures," she noted.

Gjorge Jovanovic (photography), Goran Menkov (painting), Ana Inavovska (sculpture-installation), Indigo Quartet and Iskra Sukarova (dance), Break a Leg Studio (hip-hop dance) and indie rock band The John will showcase their creativity and individuality before a jury and their peers from 70 countries around the world.

Kanceska-Milevska said that the events due to be held in Marseilles and Nice were a proof of the excellent cooperation between Macedonia and France voicing her hopes that many other projects would be realized in the future.