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H.E Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al-Khalifa, President of Bahrain Authority for Culture & Antiquities  participated in the 8th  edition of St. Petersburg International Cultural Forum, held in St. Petersburg on 14&15 November 2019. The forum was The forum is held by the Government of St. Petersburg with the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.

The St. Petersburg International Cultural Forum is a unique cultural event of the world level, a discussion platform attracting several thousand cultural experts from all over the world: the stars of the drama theater, opera and ballet, outstanding directors and musicians, public figures, representatives of government and business, academic communities.  It is aimed at preserving and developing Russian culture, supporting cultural initiatives at the regional, federal and international levels, and developing international cooperation in the field of culture. The forum is developing in parallel in three directions. An extensive business program is of interest to specialists in various fields of culture. The festival program includes numerous cultural events for residents and guests of St. Petersburg. The business area creates conditions for the implementation of projects and signing of agreements in the field of culture.

On the sidelines of this forum, H.E has signed a Memorandum of Understanding ( MoU) between Bahrain Culture Authority and the Russian Ministry of Culture, represented by Mr.  Vladimir Medinsky. The MoU is an implementation of the agreed accords signed between both parties in the 2008 Memorandum of Understanding.

H.E Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al-Khalifa said : “ We continue to work for the establishment of strong  cultural relations between Bahrain and the rest of the world. Through this constructive cooperation between Bahrain Authority for Culture & Antiquities and the Russian Ministry of Culture, we aim to document this historical and civilizational exchange between both our friendly nations”.  H.E added to say : “ Our keenness to be always present at the biggest international events, such as this major. Petersburg International Cultural Forum, clearly contributes to the promotion of the bright image of the Kingdom of Bahrain as a citadel of culture and positive intellectual reflection”. H.E argued that the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Federal Republic of Russia entertain a deeply-rooted cultural relations for years now, which has yielded a substantial cultural cooperation during the recent years. Indeed, the Russian culture has had a constant remarkable presence in the Bahraini fervent cultural scene, with Bahrain’s historical genuine art and heritage sometimes moving to showcase in Russian museums and halls, H.E added.

The Memorandum of Understanding ( MoU) signed between Bahrain Culture Authority and the Russian Ministry of Culture, whereby both parties shall encourage and promote,
The exchange of visits of administrators, experts and practitioners in the fields of performing, visual and literary arts as well as the fields of cinema, plastic arts and handicraft events.

The MoU also includes  participation of artists from both countries in each other’s arts festivals or events, and the  participation of artists and officials from both countries in seminars, conferences, workshops, training courses and attachments organized in each other’s country in the fields of arts, heritage and library.  The exchange of soloists and artistic ensembles in the fields of opera, music, dance, folklore and puppetry.  Reciprocal exhibitions of cultural relics, history and fine arts on a non-profitable basis and Participation in each other’s book fairs figure among the agreed accords. it was also agreed that both parties shall contribute to the enhancement of cooperation and communication between cultural associations and unions and cultural civil society organizations in both countries.