Myanmar delegates participated in the Ninth St Petersburg International Cultural Forum and engaged in three discussion topics, as reported by the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture.
The delegation, led by U Tin Oo Lwin, Union Minister for Religious Affairs and Culture, attended the forum held in St Petersburg, the Russian Federation, from 16 to 18 November.
The forum featured eight discussion topics related to art and culture. Myanmar delegates actively participated in three discussions: “Learning History through Culture”, “Historical Memory and Artistic World”, and “Historical Heritage as a Formative Environment” on 16 November.
The event brought together cultural experts from over 70 countries and organizations, including the BRICS Institute and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
On 17 November, Myanmar delegates held a meeting with Ms Olga Lyubimova, Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation, along with representatives from 41 countries. During the meeting, Union Minister U Tin Oo Lwin highlighted the forum’s emphasis on the importance of regional cultural cooperation to enhance mutual understanding and deepen relationships. He expressed that the forum served as a platform to exchange ideas, concepts, and experiences necessary for formulating and implementing policies related to culture and art.
Ms Olga Lyubimova called for increased bilateral cooperation among partner countries through cultural diplomacy to address current issues. She encouraged cultural experts to strengthen friendships for the perpetuity of their cultures.
Subsequently, the Union minister attended a meeting with Russian President Mr Vladimir Putin, where President Putin delivered a speech and addressed questions from the guests.
On 18 November, the Myanmar delegation attended the Heritage Award Ceremony at the State Heritage Museum and explored the museum. They also enjoyed the Opera and Ballet Stars Gala at the 140-year-old Mikhailovsky Theatre, a gala dinner hosted by the deputy prime minister of the Russian Federation, a concert at the State Academy Mariinsky Theatre, and an orchestra performance at the Capella Theatre, along with other invitees.
The Myanmar delegation arrived back yesterday evening. — ASH/NT
