Albania, Greece and North Macedonia seek UNESCO nomination for Prespa

Albania, Greece and North Macedonia aim to advance the joint candidacy for the nomination of the Prespa region to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The initiative was discussed by the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports, Blendi Gonxhja, during a meeting with Greece’s new ambassador to Albania, Lambrini Komini.

Gonxhja announced that Albania welcomes the initiative proposed by Greece’s Ministry of Culture and expressed readiness to take the process forward in cooperation with the other two countries.

According to the minister, the joint candidacy for Prespa goes beyond a UNESCO nomination.

“The impact goes far beyond the nomination itself. This means more international attention for Prespa, more opportunities for the protection and promotion of cultural heritage, sustainable development, quality tourism and a new perspective for local communities,” said the head of MTKS, Gonxhja.

Beyond being a treasure shared among three countries, the minister described Prespa as a responsibility and an opportunity that unites. The objective, he said, is for Prespa to become a European model of cross-border cooperation, where nature, culture and tourism serve as bridges connecting Albania, Greece and North Macedonia, while creating new development opportunities for local communities.