Macedonian music legend Vanja (Lazarova) Dimitrova, the writer Rade Siljan, famous cultural worker Mile Boseski and renowned conductor Ramadan Shukri were given national pensions. So far, 57 certificates for national pension have been awarded to cultural artists.

Culture Minister Elizabeta Kanceska-Milevska who handed over Monday the certificates for national pensions to artists said that four renowned doyens of the Macedonian culture in their creative work left important mark for the identity of the Macedonian culture and art.

Their significant contribution for the Macedonian culture and art is of great importance. By presentation of certificates and as ministry and government we have the opportunity to pay respect and to thank the artists for their achievements and results, Kanceska-Milevska said.

She underlined that the introduction of the national pensions was aimed at valuing the work of the artists who will have importance for the Macedonian culture and Macedonian identity.

The certificates for national pensions were established by the Law on Culture (January, 2011) for artists and other experts in the field of cultural heritage, who have won the awards: "11 October", "St. Kliment Ohridski" and "23 October" for longstanding achievements in culture.