Culture Minister Andras Demeter is paying an official visit to Tunisia, during which he signed, together with his counterpart Amina Srarfi, a cultural cooperation programme between Romania and the North African country.

According to a Ministry of Culture release sent to AGERPRES on Thursday, the document marks an important step in strengthening bilateral cultural relations and establishes an expanded framework for collaboration in areas such as cultural heritage, performing arts, cinema, visual arts, music, academic exchanges and cooperation between cultural institutions in the two states.

The signing of this programme highlights the commitment of both parties to support the mobility of artists, researchers and specialists in the area, to facilitate participation in prestigious festivals in both countries and to develop joint projects for the protection and promotion of cultural heritage. It also aims to encourage film co-productions, exhibition exchanges, educational projects and initiatives promoting literature and collaboration between libraries.

'We are at a moment of resetting our cultural relations. The programme provides a solid framework that will come to life through the projects and initiatives of our professionals. Heritage, education through culture and support for young people are shared priorities. Culture challenges and inspires us to find solutions together and overcome obstacles, including bureaucratic ones,' said Minister Andras Istvan Demeter, thanking the Tunisian side for its openness and cooperation.

In turn, Tunisian Minister of Cultural Affairs Amina Srarfi underscored the strength of Romanian-Tunisian cultural relations: 'We have excellent cooperation and I am confident it will become even more fruitful. Romanian culture is warmly welcomed in Tunisia, and we, in turn, wish to bring Tunisian culture closer to the Romanian public. We share a rich heritage and strong ties in music, theatre, cinema and visual arts. I hope to see you soon at the Carthage Festival.'

During the visit, the minister met with actors from the National Theatre of Tunis as well as professors and students from the Institute of Dramatic Arts in Tunis. The cultural programme also included visits to the museums Cité de la Culture, Palais Dar Nejma Ezzahra and Sidi Bou Said.

Minister Andras Demeter invited his Tunisian counterpart to pay an official visit to Romania to continue the dialogue and strengthen bilateral cultural relations, the Ministry of Culture further informed. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Daniel Popescu; EN - writing by: Adina Panaitescu)