BRICS countries to boost cultural exchanges, cooperation

Representatives from BRICS countries inked an action plan on cultural cooperation on July 6 at a ministerial meeting in the northern Chinese city of Tianjin, pledging efforts to strengthen cultural exchanges.

The action plan, which covers a number of fields including cultural heritage and personnel training among BRICS countries, encourages museums, art galleries and libraries to enhance exchanges and mutual learning via exhibitions and sharing information.

In his keynote speech, Chinese Minister of Culture Luo Shugang said that it is the common wish of BRICS countries to seek common ground in cultural values while fully respecting cultural diversity.

Luo called for efforts to strengthen civil exchanges, enhance pragmatic cooperation and consolidate public opinion in BRICS countries.

Cultural resources should be mobilized to boost the sustainable development of society and the economy, the minister said.

Representatives form Brazil, Russia, India and South Africa also elaborated on future cooperation.

The first BRICS ministerial meeting on culture was held in Moscow in June 2015.