Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Indonesia and Belarus have inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for cultural cooperation here on Tuesday.

"This cooperation covers several aspects, and it will come into effect from now on," Kacung Marijan, the director general for cultural affairs, stated at the MoU signing event.

The MoU encompasses joint shows, seminars, workshops, conferences, collaborative performances, exchange of experts in the fields of museum, film, theatre, singing, information, protection of historical restoration, and cultural heritage and arts education, among others.

The initiative to build the cooperation had been started since 2013, he affirmed.

He stated that the two parties would form joint working groups to facilitate, monitor, evaluate, and review the implementation of the MoU and will meet at least biennially.

The programs could be implemented through various arrangements and special projects by institutions or organizations in the two countries.

All intellectual rights associated with activities conducted under the MoU by either country become the sole property of that country.

"We hope that the cooperation between the two countries will continue to increase," he said.

Belarus Ambassador to Indonesia Vladimir Lopato Zagorsky affirmed that Indonesia is Belarus strategic partner in cultural cooperation.

"Indonesia is a strategic partner for us with regard to its strategic position as well as cultural wealth," he pointed out.

Besides Indonesia, Belarus also sought cooperation with various other countries in Southeast Asia. (*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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