Ukraine and Moldova have agreed to begin work on an updated document that will set out priority areas for co-operation and joint initiatives between the two countries in the cultural sphere, the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine reports.
The new cultural co-operation programme was discussed during a meeting between Ukraine’s Minister of Culture, Tetiana Berezhna, and Moldova’s Ambassador to Ukraine, Victor Chirila.
As the ministry notes, the meeting focused on protecting cultural heritage in the context of Russian aggression. In particular, it addressed Ukraine’s readiness to share practical mechanisms for safeguarding cultural assets developed during the full-scale war. According to the Moldovan side, the country is interested in studying Ukrainian approaches to developing action plans for the protection of cultural heritage, the evacuation and storage of cultural assets, and responses to crisis situations.
In addition, the discussion covered the continuation of work by Ukraine, Moldova and Romania on a joint nomination dossier, “The Precucuteni–Ariuşd–Cucuteni–Trypillia Cultural Complex”, for submission to the UNESCO World Heritage List, as well as prospects for co-operation in documenting and digitising cultural heritage.
The sides also discussed avenues for co-operation in the creative industries. As the ministry reports, Moldova is interested in learning from Ukraine’s experience in supporting cultural entrepreneurship, funding creative projects and implementing state programmes. This includes Ukraine’s experience in film and audiovisual content, music, performing and visual arts, design and crafts.
“Sharing experience will contribute to the development of the creative sector, strengthen cultural resilience and expand opportunities for professional interaction between representatives of the cultural and creative communities of both countries,” the ministry emphasised.
Representatives of both countries also discussed continuing the “Reading Without Borders” initiative, implemented by the national children’s libraries of Ukraine and Moldova; holding Days of Ukrainian Culture in Moldova; and organising exhibition projects dedicated to Ukrainian identity.
The sides also supported the idea of launching an annual joint cultural event that would help strengthen the Ukrainian–Moldovan partnership.