India, Sweden decide to step up cultural ties

New Delhi, Apr 3 (UNI) India and Sweden today decided to step up cultural exchanges and create opportunities for people to familiarise themselves with various aspects of culture of the countries.

Artistes from various streams will pay bilateral visits more often with this purpose, according to a decision taken at a meeting between Tourism and Culture minister Ambika Soni and visiting Swedish Minister for Education, Research and Culture Leif Pagrotsky.

Both the countries would explore the possibilities of holding Indo-Swiss cultural and theatre festival.

Ms Soni apprised the Swedish Minister of various measures being taken by the Indian government to preserve cultural heritage and monuments.

She said the Government had been working aggressively to promote private-public partnership in the area of tourism and culture.

Ms Soni said Indian economic conditions were very favourable for foreign investment and in tourism sectors, 100 per cent investment was allowed." Swedish entrepreneurs could take the advantage and invest in India," she added.

Mr Pagrotsky expressed his keenness to share expertise in tourism promotion and strengthen cultural ties by organising events on a regular basis.

UNI SH LS RAI1928