During the X St. Petersburg International Forum of United Cultures, Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation Olga Lyubimova held bilateral meetings with representatives from Afghanistan and Sudan.
In a discussion with the Acting Minister of Information and Culture of Afghanistan, Khairullah Khairkhwa, Lyubimova highlighted the potential for expanding cultural cooperation and welcomed the Afghan delegation’s participation in the Forum.
"Russia greatly values its long-standing good relations with the museums and archaeological institutions of our two countries," the Russian Minister of Culture remarked, recalling the Soviet archaeological expedition to Afghanistan in the 1970s.
For his part, Khairullah Khairkhwa advocated for more collaborative exhibition projects, which he said would help introduce the people of both countries to each other's cultures and histories and further strengthen bilateral ties.
The two parties also discussed cooperation in the field of creative education.
"Just as it was in Soviet times, today in Russia, talented Afghan students are studying. Six of your citizens are enrolled in Kazan, St. Petersburg, and Moscow. We look forward to welcoming more gifted students from Afghanistan to our universities," noted Lyubimova.
During her meeting with the Acting Minister of Culture and Information of Sudan, Jaraham Abdelkader Damin Hassan, Lyubimova emphasized that the two countries share longstanding bonds of friendship and cooperation.
A key topic of discussion was the training of specialists for Sudan in Russian educational institutions. Jaraham Abdelkader Damin Hassan noted that many Sudanese graduates have studied in Russia. Lyubimova explained that a special quota of scholarship places is available for talented young people from Sudan.
The conversation also touched upon the Museum of African Cultures, which is being established in Moscow.
"To improve partnership relations and strengthen ties, a Museum of African Cultures is currently being created in Moscow. This will allow Russians to learn more about your culture and traditions," noted Lyubimova.
Her counterpart expressed willingness to support the preparation of the museum’s future exhibits.