Bangladesh, Russia sign MoU on cultural cooperation

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cultural cooperation between Bangladesh and Russia has been signed in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury signed the MoU on behalf of Bangladesh.

The MoU was signed between the Ministry of Cultural Affairs of the Government of Bangladesh and the Russian Federation on Thursday, September 24, at the ongoing 12th Saint Petersburg International United Cultures Forum.

Through this MoU, emphasis was placed on expanding mutual cultural exchange, heritage preservation, arts and culture, museums, archaeology and creative cooperation, as well as further strengthening the long-standing friendly relations between Bangladesh and Russia. Myanmar's Minister of Religion and Culture, U Tin Oo Lwin, had earlier paid a courtesy call on the Cultural Affairs Minister.

During the meeting, the two ministers held fruitful discussions on the archaeological heritage, Buddhist tradition, cultural unity and common historical features of the two countries.

During the meeting, he highlighted Bangladesh's thousand-year-old rich cultural heritage, archaeological resources, various folk festivals including Bangla New Year, the diverse cultures of the hill and plain ethnic communities, and the multifaceted streams of Bengali music.

On the second day of the forum (September 25), the Cultural Affairs Minister will deliver the keynote speech at a thematic session titled 'Folk Artisan Craftwork Rebooted'.

There, he will highlight the revival of Bangladesh's folk art and handicrafts and the global potential of traditional handicrafts.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to be present at the plenary session of the forum to be held tomorrow afternoon.

It may be mentioned that a three-member Bangladesh delegation led by Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury left Dhaka on September 22. Two joint secretaries of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs are in the delegation.

Through participation in this international cultures forum, being held from September 24 to 26, new horizons of Bangladesh's rich cultural heritage, multifaceted culture and cultural diplomacy and bilateral cooperation with friendly nations will be opened on the world stage.