“India is considered a key strategic partner for the EU, with both parties cooperating on regional and global issues such as security concerns, trade and economic ties, sectoral dialogues on sustainable development, modernisation, human rights, research and innovation as well as people-to-people contacts. Culture is no exception. Bilateral relations have continued to develop positively over the last two years, despite the constraints of the pandemic,” stated Minister for the National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government Owen Bonnici in a meeting with the Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture of India Meenakshi Lekhi.
Minister Bonnici stated that the cultural relations between India and Malta go back a number of years, whereby a Cultural Co-operation Agreement between both countries was signed in 1992. He noted the importance that both governments give to the cultural sector and stated that Malta looks forward to intensifying the cultural co-operation and collaboration between both countries.
“Malta welcomes the progress made in the enhancement of relations between the EU and India during the last EU-India Summit in 2021, and the subsequent dialogues and agreements that took place in 2022. As the international community is confronted by global challenges, the EU and India can continue to deliver together through dialogue and action,” concluded Minister Bonnici.
Minister Meenakshi Lekhi remarked that she is very impressed with how the culture sector has quickly picked up after the pandemic. “We are very keen on working together for stronger cultural initiatives. Let’s put the artists together,” stated Minister Meenakshi Lekhi.
