India, Belarus sign agreements in culture and arts

New Delhi, Apr 18 (UNI) Deepening their cultural ties, India and Belarus have signed a Programme of Cooperation in the field of Culture, Arts, Education, Mass Media and Press for 2007-2009.

The agreement was signed by Tourism and Culture Minister Ambika Soni and Belarus Foreign Minister Sergei Martynov during his visit here.

According to the programme, both the countries will exchange information on international music, dance and folklore festivals in the field of culture to be held in their respective countries.

They will also invite specialists in the field of culture and artists to participate in international events to be held both in India and in Belarus.

India and Belarus also agreed to collaborate in exchanging audio and video in the field of performing arts. In addition, they will exchange artistic exhibitions and encourage establishing direct links and exchanges between the cultural establishments and artistic educational institutions.

Further, the two countries decided to encourage collaboration between their governmental establishments of cinematography and explore possibility of signing a co-production agreement. They will organise ''cinema weeks'' and also take part in International Film Festivals held in the respective countries.

India and Belarus will promote establishing direct cooperation between their educational institutions to implement joint scientific research works, exchange probationers, professors, teachers and students on a parity basis.

It was also decided by them to explore the possibility of mutual exchange of visits of journalists and mass media experts.

UNI