TIRANA, Sept 15 /ATA/ – Albania, Greece and North Macedonia are seeking to advance a joint bid to have the Prespa region inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

The initiative was discussed on Tuesday by Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja during a meeting with Greece’s newly appointed ambassador to Albania, Lambrini Komini.

Gonxhja said Albania welcomed the proposal put forward by Greece’s Culture Ministry and was ready to work with the two other countries to advance the nomination process.

The joint bid for Prespa would go beyond securing UNESCO status, Gonxhja said, arguing that it could raise the region’s international profile and create opportunities for protecting and promoting its cultural heritage, sustainable development and higher-quality tourism.

“The impact goes far beyond the nomination itself. It means greater international attention for Prespa, more opportunities to protect and promote its cultural heritage, sustainable development, quality tourism and a new perspective for local communities,” Gonxhja said.

Prespa, which is shared by the three countries, represents both a common responsibility and an opportunity for cooperation, Gonxhja said.

The aim is to develop Prespa into a European model of cross-border cooperation, where nature, culture and tourism can help strengthen ties between Albania, Greece and North Macedonia while creating new development opportunities for local communities, he said.

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