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India and Italy today signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for cultural cooperation between the two countries, with the aim of preserving the world cultural heritage of the paintings of the caves located in Ajanta and Ellora. Shri S. Jaipal Reddy, the Minister of Information Broadcasting and Culture, signed the Agreement on behalf of India whereas Mr. Giuliano Urbani, Minister for Cultural Heritage and Activities signed on behalf of the Italian Republic.
Speaking after the signing ceremony, Shri S. Jaipal Reddy hoped that the signing of new Cultural Agreements would increase cultural interaction between the two countries. The Minister said, the institutions in both the countries would take proactive steps and respond within the stipulated time frame to implement the various clauses within the Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP). Another area in which there is huge potential for expansion of cooperation is conservation and heritage restoration in which Italian Expertise is known throughout the world. Cooperation in restoration, preservation and maintenance would be immense mutual benefit. We are also interested in learning from Italy’s experience in management of historical resources, the Minister added.
The visiting Minister Mr. Urbani in his remarks said that Italy would reciprocate the Indian gestures in the areas of films production and culture. Under the Agreement, the two countries would constitute a Working Group, which will draw-up the draft-working plan including details of technical work required for the purpose. The conservation project will involve research, a multi-disciplinary inspection and examination of existing data; formulation of the conservation programme and selection of topics; and implementation of actual project works. Currently, CEP for 2003-05 is under implementation. The new proposed CEP will be for 2006-08.
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