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The Government of the Republic of Serbia

In the service of citizens

Serbia takes over presidency of Council of culture ministers of southeastern Europe

Bucharest/Belgrade, 15 April 2011

Minister of Culture, Media and Information Society Predrag Markovic participated today in Bucharest in the meeting of the Council of Ministers of Culture of South East Europe, where Serbia took over a one-year presidency of this body.

Participants in the meeting confirmed that the council’s member states recognise culture as a factor that contributes to sustainable development, higher employment, good social status and better quality of life, while cultural and creative industries are a source of economic growth, competitiveness, employment, sustainable development and innovation, both at the national and European level.

The ministers of culture signed today the Bucharest Declaration with which they further emphasise the commitment to strengthening support to the Regional Programme of the Council of Europe for Cultural and Natural Heritage of South East Europe.

The declaration highlights the support to results of joint efforts of the European Commission and the Council of Europe aimed at successful implementation of the continuation of the Ljubljana process of cultural rehabilitation in South East Europe.

The Council of Ministers of Culture of South East Europe was founded in Copenhagen in 2005 with the aim of disseminating information on regional priorities in terms of culture and heritage within the framework of relevant European forums, especially in meetings and working groups of the EU, Council of Europe and UNESCO.

This council is dedicated to supporting specific programs and projects related to South East Europe and encouraging exchange of ideas aimed at better informing and capacity building in the field of cultural environment and heritage.

South East Europe is a region that is characterised by a mix of ancient cultures and civilisations and the highest values of tangible and intangible cultural heritage, and the processes of integration in different areas have created new opportunities for the countries of our region to improve cooperation and coordination.

Along with representatives of European institutions, the meeting in Bucharest is being attended by officials from 14 countries, concludes the statement of the Ministry of Culture, Media and Information society.