A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the protection of cultural property has been signed between Bangladesh and Turkiye, marking a new milestone in the existing historical and cultural ties between the two countries.
The MoU was signed on Friday at a formal ceremony held in Dhaka, reports UNB.
On behalf of the government of Bangladesh, Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury, and on behalf of the government of the Republic of Turkiye, Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan signed the MoU.
The ceremony was attended by Foreign Minister of Bangladesh Dr. Khalilur Rahman and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam, as special guests.
Senior officials from the Ministries of Cultural Affairs and Foreign Affairs of both countries, along with a high-level delegation from Turkiye, were also present.
The MoU aims to strengthen long-term institutional cooperation between Bangladesh and Turkiye in the preservation, protection, restoration, and promotion of cultural heritage.
Under the MoU, both countries will collaborate in the preservation of historical and cultural heritage, archival documents, library materials, museum management, digitization, and restoration initiatives.
It has been developed in continuation of the cultural agreement signed between the two countries on March 09, 1981, and the cooperation programme signed on April 12, 2012, covering education, science, culture, arts, press and information, youth, and sports.
Under the framework of the MoU, Bangladesh and Turkiye will work jointly in line with the UNESCO 1970 convention to prevent the illicit import, export, and transfer of ownership of cultural property.
The two countries will also enhance cooperation in archaeological research, application of modern technologies, disaster risk reduction, documentation, and inventory mapping of cultural resources.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Cultural Affairs Nitai Roy Chowdhury said this MoU will further deepen and expand the historic and friendly relations between Bangladesh and Turkiye.
"The advanced archaeological technologies and expertise of Turkiye will play an important role in preserving Bangladesh's rich cultural heritage," he said.
Foreign Minister of Turkiye praised Bangladesh's rich history and cultural legacy and reaffirmed Turkiye's full support and cooperation for the successful implementation of the agreement.
The signing of this MoU is expected to open a new horizon of cultural cooperation between Bangladesh and Turkiye and serve as a significant milestone in safeguarding the shared values of heritage and civilization, Bangladesh said.
