News
9/20/2021 01:43
A press conference was held today in the lobby of the National Institution National Opera and Ballet (NOB) on the occasion of the realization of a Japanese Program culture development project in the amount of 79,800,000 Japanese Yen (663,000 Euros) which was fully funded by the Government of Japan, where musical instruments were provided for the musicians, including sound and lighting equipment for the needs of the National Opera and Ballet.
Dimitrov: “Japan is a country of inspiration and innovation, which is geographically far from us, but with the support of the Japanese Government, the commitment and readiness for cooperation of the Embassy and Japan International Cooperation Agency, projects that bring our citizens closer are successfully implemented. I believe that by this project in the area of culture, the ties between the two countries will be further strengthened as an example of global cohesion.”
At the press conference, the Japanese Ambassador H.E. Sawada Hironori also had an address while emphasizing that within the Western Balkans Cooperation Initiative, Japan is seriously committed to supporting North Macedonia towards its sustainable economic and social development, crucial for its EU integration. He pointed out that since 2001, this has been the second grant awarded by Japan to North Macedonia in the area of culture, implemented by JICA: “In addition to a better performance of the National Opera and Ballet, I would like for this cultural exchange to also contribute to the exchange of artists” - concluded Ambassador Sawada.
Thanking for the donation, the Minister of Culture Irena Stefoska wished to see our and Japanese artists performing on the NOB stage as soon as possible: “This donation will motivate artists for greater creativity on the stage and more passionate music performance, while generating paramount enjoyment for the audience, so let me describe the value of this donation in three words - motive, quality, applause” - added Minister Stefoska.
The JICA representative for this region Takeichi Giro expressed his satisfaction with this cooperation confirming the desire for cultural exchange and connection, and stressing that JICA as a Japanese government agency responsible for the implementation of official development aid, will be continuously looking into the development needs of North Macedonia in order to strengthen the friendship between the two countries.
The NOB Director Vaso Ristov thanked all parties involved in the successful implementation of this project which was a big challenge for the entire team, but is opening new opportunities for cooperation and improvement of performance quality.