India, Thailand to boost bilateral cultural ties

New Delhi, Aug 8 (UNI) Thailand today said it had planned to open a Thai Cultural Centre in India and expressed hope that New Delhi would reciprocate the gesture by opening a similar centre in the South East Asian country.

The proposal to launch a Thai Cultural Centre in India was conveyed by Thailand Culture Minister Khunying Khaisri Sriaroon, who called on Tourism and Culture Minister Ambika Soni here.

During their half-an-hour meeting, both the leaders underlined the importance of common heritage between the two countries and stressed the need to give an impetus to the bilateral cultural ties.

The two leaders felt that there should be a timeframe for implementing the Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP) signed between the two countries in June this year.

Ms Soni said India was keen to welcome more tourists from Thailand and experience its rich cultural diversity. She also conveyed to the visiting dignitary the steps being taken by the UPA government to promote Buddhist Circuit among the South East Asian tourists.

The CEP 2007-09, which was signed in June here, envisages short-term familiarisation or training for two archaeologists each year on a reciprocal basis and contemporary Indian art exhibition in Thailand.

It also aims to facilitate Buddhist pilgrims from Thailand to India; conservation of monasteries and ancient monuments in Thailand; holding seminars on conservation, traditional arts and culture, Buddhist and cultural themes.

The two countries also agreed to hold one exhibition each by both sides on Buddhist themes; exchange of troupes on classical dance, folk dance, music, theatre each year and visit by Thai filmmakers to India and Indian filmmakers to Thailand.

UNI