TIRANA, May 6/ATA/ The Albanian Ministry of Culture and the Albanian-American Development Foundation (AADF) have partnered to advance the UNESCO nomination process for key cultural elements, including Gjirokastra Folklore Festival, the cap, the Great Year and traditional toast, targeting the Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

In this context, the AADF and the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport signed a cooperation agreement to continue the process of preparing the second package of files for Albanian elements for nomination to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List and the List of Good Safeguarding Practices.

These four elements are of particular value for the Albanian cultural identity. The ministry said that the initiative represents an important step towards strengthening Albania's presence in UNESCO and the internationalization of our intangible heritage.

This second package will include elements that are already part of the national register of intangible heritage and enjoy all the characteristics to be included in this process in full compliance with UNESCO's technical requirements for nomination.

Under this agreement, AADF will support the process financially with a dedicated fund of USD 350,000, covering the research phase and the preparation of all nomination file components through the engagement of national and international experts. /a.f/p.s./