Italian ambassador to Bangladesh Antonio Alessandro called on cultural affairs minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury at his secretariat office in Dhaka on Thursday.

During the meeting, they discussed issues relating to cultural exchange programmes and ways to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in the preservation of archaeological heritage, said a press release.

Nitai Roy Chowdhury said that the historic cultural agreement signed between the two countries on October 13, 1991 had laid a strong foundation for long-standing cultural partnership between the two nations.

Noting that culture is one of the most powerful means of building bridges among people across nations, he stressed on further strengthening cultural ties and exchange of cultural programmes.

In the meeting, the minister welcomed Italy’s interest in providing technical support in the conservation and restoration of antiquities as well as in modern museum management.

He also appreciated Italy’s willingness to support language training and organise international cultural events in Dhaka, expressing hope that such programmes would further enrich the cultural landscape of both countries.

Highlighting Bangladesh’s active participation in various international events such as the Venice Biennale in 2022 and 2024, the Naples Cultural Heritage Conference in 2025 and Expo Milan, he lauded the long history of cooperation with Italy.

He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to implementing the Cultural Exchange Programme signed in Rome on July 25, 2023.

Antonio Alessandro described Bangladesh as an important partner, noting that the large Bangladeshi community living in Italy played a significant role in promoting cultural exchange between the two countries.

Antonio Alessandro expressed Italy’s keen interest in further advancing cultural cooperation with Bangladesh, mentioning, ‘Regardless of political contexts, culture remains a unifying force.’

He also stressed the importance of organising international cultural events in Dhaka, including joint exhibitions from both countries and expressed optimism about strengthening collaboration through UNESCO and other heritage-related initiatives.

The meeting also held a detailed discussion on increasing scholarships and fellowship opportunities for students of both countries to promote education and research. Both the sides agreed to further consolidate the existing bilateral relations.

Cultural affairs secretary Kaniz Mowla, senior officials of the ministry and members of the Italian embassy in Dhaka were present at the meeting.