The Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts (MANU) has contributed greatly to the construction of the modern Macedonian state, and continuously encourages and develops scientific thought and the work of nurturing and promoting the arts, stated President Gjorge Ivanov at the Macedonian Opera and Ballet about the ceremonious occasion dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the founding of MANU.
“Very often, academies are the fruit of independence. However, in our case, the Academy not only preceded itself, but also created conditions for the independence of the Republic of Macedonia. The Academy encourages and carries out studies of issues of great importance for Macedonian national culture and for the general development of our country”, pointed out Ivanov, who is the patron of the grand academy.
Ivanov said that a functional partnership between the state and the sciences is necessary for making wise decisions and creating policies based on scientific grounds. He said that Macedonia is facing major challenges for which solutions must be sought, but that they must not depart from the principles of our existence and survival.
The President of MANU, Taki Fiti referred to the Academy’s beginnings, noting that the development of MANU confirms that since the first decades after its formation, the Academy entered the phase of its maturity and has grown into the cornerstone of Macedonian science, language, culture, history and one of the pillars and symbols of the statehood of Macedonia.
Fiti, on behalf of MANU, said that Macedonia was and is a multicultural country and that a new and united Balkans is needed. In that context, Fiti welcomed the Agreement for Friendship and Cooperation between the Governments of Macedonia and Bulgaria.
During the celebration, which was attended by Prime Minister Zoran Zaev, Parliament Speaker, Talat Xhaferi, various MPs, government ministers, presidents of academies from countries in the region and ambassadors, apart from the musical program, the film “50 years of MANU” was screened.
