The Ministries of Culture of Belarus and Latvia signed a cooperation program for 2013-2015

The cooperation program between the Ministries of Culture of Belarus and Latvia for 2013-2015 was signed today in Riga, reports a BELTA correspondent.

The document was signed by the Minister of Culture of Belarus, Boris Svetlov, and the Minister of Culture of Latvia, Zaneta Jaunzeme-Grenade.

The program is a continuation of the Agreement between the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Belarus and the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Latvia on Cooperation in the Field of Culture and Art dated April 18, 2002.

Boris Svetlov noted that the new document is more specific. It outlines the main activities by articles and identifies specific cultural institutions between which the ministries of the two countries will help establish contacts. "The foundation of our cultural relations was laid by Belarusian and Latvian poets Yanka Kupala and Janis Rainis. Our interaction is developing on this spiritual basis. Exchange tours and visits have taken place. Now all areas of work that could contribute to the development of cultural ties are prescribed," the minister said.

One of the key aspects of the program is the holding of joint events dedicated to the 150th anniversary of the People's Poet of Latvia, Janis Rainis. Great attention will be paid to museum cooperation. Currently, a joint exhibition is being prepared, which will introduce residents of the two countries to the works of both Yanka Kupala and Janis Rainis. In September, the exhibition will be shown in Jurmala, and in November, it will be available to see in Minsk.

The Minister of Culture of Belarus noted that the departments will contribute to strengthening contacts in the field of cinematography. "The film co-produced by Belarus, Estonia, and Latvia, 'The Lonely Island,' by Estonian director Peeter Simm, nominated for the Russian, CIS, and Baltic film award 'Nika' for 2012, has generated interest from the global community. Latvian friends constantly participate in the Minsk International Film Festival 'Listapad.' The document outlines aspects whose implementation will contribute to global cinematic success," he added.

An important area of bilateral cooperation is the interaction between the national historical archives of Belarus and Latvia. The partnership will be carried out within the framework of the "Radurasti" - "Genealogy" project. Its goal is to allow readers to familiarize themselves with archival materials for studying family history and simultaneously ensure the necessary preservation of original documents, as the archives of Belarus contain church books with information about the residents of Latvia. Currently, Belarusians have access to Latvian archives, but until 2013, residents of the Baltic country did not have such an opportunity.

Partnership will continue on the project "Daugavpils and Vitebsk: Cultural Cooperation and Development." According to the Minister of Culture of Latvia, regional cooperation is currently developing well. On May 16, the Second Belarusian-Latvian Forum will be held in Daugavpils.

The program includes a number of items, including the development of cooperation in concert and touring activities, in the field of museum and library affairs, exhibition activities, and the organization of exchange internships for teachers and students of cultural universities. Great attention will be paid to theatrical partnership. For example, guest performances and exchange of directors from Latvian theaters and the Belarusian Yanka Kupala National Academic Theatre are planned. A tour of Belarusian actors at the Mikhail Chekhov Riga Russian Theatre is scheduled for July.

There are also plans regarding cooperation between the Latvian National Opera and the National Academic Grand Opera and Ballet Theatre of the Republic of Belarus. Negotiations are currently underway regarding exchange tours in the upcoming season (2013/2014).

Boris Svetlov expressed confidence that the document may be extended in the future.