MP & France sign MoU to boost cultural, tourism collaboration

Bhopal: A significant tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on Friday to foster extensive collaboration between France and Madhya Pradesh in cultural and tourism domains. This event took place in the presence of chief minister Mohan Yadav, who presided over the ceremony.The three-year agreement, which can be extended through mutual agreement, was signed by French Ambassador Dr Thierry Mathou, principal secretary of tourism and culture Sheo Shekhar Shukla and Alliance Française de Bhopal president Akhilesh Verma. The aim is to establish Madhya Pradesh as a centre for Indo-French cultural and tourism partnerships.CM Yadav discussed the strong Indo-French relations, particularly following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to France. He shared plans for his upcoming visit to France, highlighting Madhya Pradesh's preparedness for cultural and commercial collaborations, with an emphasis on industrial growth, entrepreneurial initiatives and handicraft development.French Ambassador Dr Thierry Mathou remarked, "We are very happy to establish this important cooperation with the govt of Madhya Pradesh. France mainly works on tourism, security, environment, and education. This MoU will further strengthen the cultural diplomacy between the two countries, which will open new opportunities in the field of art, education, and tourism."The agreement includes collaborative cultural programmes encompassing art festivals, music events, dance exhibitions, film screenings, culinary activities and other cultural initiatives. Plans include creating an annual Indo-French cultural schedule and translating tourism materials into French.The programme also includes French language and cultural training for tourism personnel and guides.This partnership aims to strengthen the state's cultural diplomacy while providing international opportunities for local artists, artisans, students, and cultural organisations, helping establish Madhya Pradesh's international presence.Principal Secretary of Industry Raghavendra Kumar Singh, French Consul General Jean-Marc Serre-Charle, French Embassy Political Counselor Shad Joynal Abedin, and Alliance Française representatives attended the signing event.
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