Bangladesh, Russia sign MoU on cultural cooperation

Bangladesh and Russia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cultural cooperation in St Petersburg yesterday (24 September), aiming to expand collaboration in cultural exchange, heritage preservation, arts and culture, museums, archaeology and creative industries.

The MoU was signed between the Ministry of Cultural Affairs of Bangladesh and the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation on the sidelines of the ongoing 12th St Petersburg International United Cultures Forum.

Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury signed the MoU on behalf of Bangladesh.

The agreement also emphasised further strengthening the long-standing friendly relations between Bangladesh and Russia through expanded cultural cooperation.

Earlier, Myanmar's Minister for Religious and Cultural Affairs U Tin Oo Lwin paid a courtesy call to Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury.

During the meeting, the two ministers held discussions on archaeological artefacts, Buddhist heritage, cultural ties and shared historical characteristics of the two countries.

During the forum, Nitai Roy will give a special interview to Russia's international media outlet Sputnik International.

In the interview, he will highlight Bangladesh's rich thousand-year-old cultural heritage, archaeological resources, Bengali New Year and various folk festivals, the diverse cultures of ethnic communities in the hills and plains, and the multifaceted traditions of Bengali music.

On the second day of the forum on Friday, the cultural affairs minister will deliver the keynote address at a thematic session titled "Folk Artisan Craftwork Rebooted".

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

Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to attend the plenary session of the forum on Friday afternoon.

Nitai Roy is scheduled to return home on 28 September.