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Hong Kong and Russia have pledged to work more closely in the field of culture and art with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cultural co-operation today (September 26, Moscow time).
Representing the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), the Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Tsang Tak-sing, signed the MoU in Moscow with the Deputy Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation, Mrs Ekaterina Chukovskaya.
"The memorandum of understanding lays a new milestone for closer co-operation between Russia and Hong Kong in culture and art. I look forward to having more frequent and wide-ranging collaborative initiatives and exchanges in culture and art between the two places in future," Mr Tsang said.
He added that Hong Kong's museums would pursue collaboration with various renowned museums in Russia, exploring the possibility of bringing their precious collections to Hong Kong for exhibition to further enhance Hong Kong people's understanding of the Russian history and art.
While there has been ongoing cultural exchange between Russia and Hong Kong, Mr Tsang said that with the signing of the MoU, Hong Kong people will have more opportunities to enjoy performances by world class artists from Russia.
He added that he looks forward to bringing works by Hong Kong artists to Russia through collaboration with Russian museums and cultural organisations on the presentation of visual arts exhibitions and performing arts programmes.
Upon the invitation of the HKSAR Government, the Russian Federation's Minister of Culture, Mr Alexander Avdeyev, will visit Hong Kong in November this year to discuss matters of mutual concern.
After visiting the State Tretyakov Gallery in the morning, Mr Tsang will visit the Kremlin in the afternoon.
Ends/Monday, September 26, 2011
Issued at HKT 18:52
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