Dhaka, Rome sign 3-yr cultural accord
A three-year cultural exchange programme between Bangladesh and Italy was signed at the Cultural Ministry in the city yesterday, reports UNB.
State Minister for Cultural Affairs Obaidul Quader and visiting Italian Deputy Foreign Minister Senator Patrizia Toia signed the exchange programme on behalf of their respective governments.
The exchange programme signed under the cultural agreement of 1991, included exchange of delegation, scholarship, films, radio and television programmes, and cooperation for development of culture, science and technology and sports.
Secretary in charge of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs Syed Yusuf Hossain, Italian Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Raffaele Miniero, DGs of Bangla Academy, Shilpakala Academy and National Museum were present.
Patrizia Toia left Dhaka yesterday winding up her three-day visit to Bangladesh.
Talking to newsmen at the Zia International Airport prior to her departure, she stressed the need for bolstering Dhaka-Rome ties in all fields of cooperation.
Describing as excellent the existing relations between the two countries, Ms Toia hoped that the visit would help those to strengthen further.
"Time has come for the two countries to come closer to expand both economic and political relations," she said.
Similar sentiment was reciprocated by State Minister for Foreign Affairs Abul Hasan Chowdhury who saw her off at the ZIA.
The Italian Deputy Foreign Minister referred to her talks with Bangladesh ministers and leaders during the visit and said it would add impetus to the existing relation.
Giving a brief resume of the visit, she said, "It has created a positive evaluation." In this context, she appreciated the 'ambitious programme' in economic and social sectors of Bangladesh.
She told newsmen that an Italian economic delegation would visit Bangladesh shortly to see investment opportunities for foreign investors.
Replying to a question on GSP for Bangladesh items in European Union countries, she assured that it will be done in consultation with other European member states.
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The State Minister for Foreign Affairs told a questioner that Ms Toia had assured Bangladesh of taking measure for expansion of market for Bangladeshi items, particularly garments and leather products, in her country.
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