Bangladesh, Russia Sign Cultural Cooperation MoU in St. Petersburg

Bangladesh and Russia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cultural cooperation during the 12th St. Petersburg International United Cultures Forum.

The MoU was signed on Thursday between Bangladesh's Ministry of Cultural Affairs and the Russian Federation. Bangladesh's Minister for Cultural Affairs, Nitai Roy Chowdhury, signed the agreement on behalf of Bangladesh.

The agreement aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation through cultural exchanges, preservation of cultural heritage, promotion of arts and culture, collaboration in museums and archaeology, and expanded creative partnerships. It also underscores the commitment of both countries to further deepen their longstanding friendly relations.

Earlier, Myanmar's Minister for Religious Affairs and Culture, U Tin Oo Lwin, paid a courtesy call on the Bangladeshi cultural affairs minister.

During the meeting, the two ministers held fruitful discussions on archaeological heritage, Buddhist traditions, cultural unity, and the shared historical characteristics of Bangladesh and Myanmar.

Minister Chowdhury highlighted Bangladesh's rich cultural heritage spanning over a thousand years, its archaeological treasures, the celebration of the Bengali New Year (Pohela Boishakh), diverse folk festivals, the vibrant cultures of indigenous communities living in the hills and plains, and the country's rich musical traditions.

On the second day of the forum, the Bangladeshi minister is scheduled to deliver the keynote address at a thematic session titled "Folk Artisan Craftwork Rebooted." In his speech, he will showcase Bangladesh's folk art, the revival of traditional crafts, and the global potential of the country's heritage handicrafts.

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

A three-member Bangladeshi delegation, led by Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury, departed Dhaka on September 22 to attend the forum. The delegation also includes two Joint Secretaries from the Ministry of Cultural Affairs.

The international forum, being held from September 24 to 26, is expected to provide Bangladesh with an opportunity to showcase its rich and diverse cultural heritage on the global stage while opening new avenues for cultural diplomacy and bilateral cooperation with friendly nations.