Bangladesh, Russia sign MoU on cultural cooperation

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

Culture Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury signed the MoU on behalf of Bangladesh, said a press release issued here this evening. 

The agreement put emphasis on expanding mutual cultural exchanges and cooperation in heritage preservation, arts and culture, museums, archaeology and creative initiatives. 
It also underscored the need for further strengthening the longstanding friendly ties between Bangladesh and Russia.

Earlier, Myanmar's Union Minister for Religious Affairs and Culture U Tin Oo Lwin paid a courtesy call on the Bangladesh culture minister.

During the meeting, the two ministers held fruitful discussions on the archaeological heritage, Buddhist traditions, cultural similarities and shared historical characteristics of their respective countries.

The Bangladesh minister highlighted the country's thousand-year-old enriched cultural heritage, archaeological treasures, diverse folk festivals, including Pahela Baishakh, the cultural diversity of ethnic communities in the hills and plain lands, and the multifaceted traditions of Bangla music, the release mentioned.

On the second day of the forum slated for September 25, the culture minister will deliver the keynote address at a thematic session titled “Folk Artisan Craftwork Rebooted”.
He is scheduled to highlight Bangladesh's folk art, the revival of traditional crafts and the global potential of the country's traditional handicrafts there.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to attend the forum's plenary session tomorrow afternoon.

A three-member Bangladesh delegation, led by Culture Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury, left Dhaka on September 22 to attend the forum. Two joint secretaries of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs are also accompanying him as delegation member.

The international forum, scheduled to continue until September 26.

 It is expected to provide an opportunity to showcase Bangladesh's rich cultural heritage and multicultural traditions on the global stage while opening new avenues for cultural diplomacy and bilateral cooperation with friendly countries as well, reports BSS.