International cooperation is one of the priorities of the Ministry of Culture. Macedonia may be proud of its rich cultural heritage, contemporary works of art and hence the Ministry's goal is for the country to be present at all prominent events, festivals throughout the globe, Culture Minister Elizabeta Kanceska-Milevska told reporters on Friday.

Last year the Ministry realized many successful events abroad, affirming the country's cultural heritage, and signed bilateral agreements with a lot of countries thus ehancing the cooperation in this sphere, she said.

This month the Macedonian culture will be presented in Sweden and Italy, Kanceska-Milevska said. The prominent folk ensemble 'Tanec' will give a concert in Stockholm in honor of the 20th anniversary of the establishment of Macedonian-Swedish diplomatic ties. Later this year Sweden will also host the exhibit of Macedonian medieval manuscripts.

The manifestation 'Macedonia Honoring Ss Cyril and Methodius', being held in Rome for over four decades, presents yet another opportunity for the country's international presentation, the Culture Minister said.

This year, in honor of the 1150 anniversary of the Ss Cyril and Methodius' mission in Moravia, the manifestation programme includes a concert of the choir 'St. Kliment Ohridski', which nourishes spiritual music, and the monodrama 'Justinian I', featuring the prominent Macedonian actor, Petar Temelkovski. 

As an active IOF member, Macedonia will also take part in the 2013 Francophonie Games be held Sept. 6-15 in Nice, France.

The Ministry of Culture has been supporting the promotion of Macedonian artists across the globe, Kanceska-Milevska said.