Lithuanian, Austrian CultMin sign cooperation agreement

VILNIUS – Lithuanian Culture Minister Simonas Kairys signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation between the Lithuanian and Austrian Ministries of Culture in Salzburg on Tuesday.

The ministries agreed to cooperate in the fields of visual arts, architecture, design, fashion, photography and media arts, and to promote direct cooperation between cultural and publishing organizations, the Lithuanian Culture Ministry said in a statement.

"I am very pleased that the long-standing relations between Lithuania and Austria are first and foremost united by a strong cultural foundation. I thank everyone - artists, diplomats and others - who contribute to making the partnership between Lithuania and Austria strong and sustainable. The modern world offers many opportunities to better understand each other. Let us take advantage of them, because it enriches both our countries and our lives," the culture minister was quoted as saying in the statement.

Kairys also discussed support for Ukraine's cultural sector during meetings with Stefan Schnoll, deputy prime minister of Salzburg, Franz Schausberger, the founder and president of the Institute of the Regions of Europe, and representatives of cultural institutions and foundations.

During his visit, the culture minister also watched the premiere of the State Youth Theatre's production The Enchanted Mountain at the Salzburg Music and Theatre Festival, met with the creative team, attended the events of this year's European Capital of Culture Bad Ischl and met with the project's artistic director, Elisabeth Schweeger.