Desk Report:
Italian Ambassador to Bangladesh Antonio Alessandro called on Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury at his office at the Secretariat on Thursday (April 16, 2026). During the meeting, they discussed issues of mutual interest, cultural exchange and enhancing bilateral cooperation in the preservation of archaeological heritage. Recalling the historic cultural agreement signed on October 13, 1991, the minister said that this agreement laid a strong foundation for the long-term cultural partnership between the two countries.
The minister said that culture is one of the most powerful means of building bridges between the people of different countries. This relationship needs to be further strengthened through the exchange of artists, musicians and craftsmen. During the meeting, the minister appreciated Italy’s offer of technical assistance in the conservation, restoration and management of antiquities and Italy’s interest in language training and organizing international cultural events in Dhaka.
He said that this exchange program between the two countries will further enrich the cultural arena. The minister praised the long history of cooperation with Italy, highlighting Bangladesh’s active participation in various international events including the Venice Biennale (2022, 2024), the Naples Cultural Heritage Conference (2025) and Expo Milan. He also said that the Bangladesh government is fully committed to implementing the Cultural Exchange Program (CEP) signed in Rome on July 25, 2023.
Italian Ambassador Antonio Alessandro called Bangladesh an important partner and said that the large Bangladeshi community living in Italy is playing a special role in the cultural exchange between the two countries. He said that whatever the political context, culture always remains the same. Italy wants to further advance this cooperative relationship with Bangladesh. He attached special importance to organizing international cultural events in a populous capital like Dhaka and joint exhibitions with the participation of artists from both countries. He also expressed optimism about further strengthening the areas of UNESCO and traditional cooperation.
The meeting had fruitful discussions on increasing the opportunities for scholarships and fellowships for students of both countries to promote education and research. Both sides agreed to make the existing relations between the two countries more well-organized and dynamic. Secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs Kaniz Maula, senior officials of the ministry and a delegation from the Italian Embassy were present during the meeting.
