THE TOP-9 NEWS OF THE END OF NOVEMBER
Armenia
Armenia and Latvia signed agreement on culture cooperation for 2015-2018 years. The document was signed by Hasmik Poghosyan, Armenia’s minister of culture, and Elita Gavele, Latvia’s ambassador to Armenia. The agreement consists of 18 points foreseeing mutual assistance in organising Days of culture, international festivals, competitions and exhibitions. The document provides for cooperation in such fields like theater, cinema and literature. Besides, special attention is paid to preservation of historical and cultural heritage, said minister Poghosyan. Newsarmenia
Armenia won second place in Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2015. The country was presented by 12-years old Michael Varosyan (Mika) who scored 176 points falling shortly behind the winner Destiny Chukunyere from Malta. The third place won Lina Kuduzovic from Slovenia. The song contest was held on 18-21 November in Bulgaria under the motto “Discover”. Following the Junior Eurovision, Armenia’s minister of education and science Armen Ashotyan congratulated Mika, saying that the boy “would have no problems in school as long as he remains the minister.” Newsarmenia
Azerbaijan
Baku hosted ISESCO General Conference and executive committee. The Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) held 36th session of its executive committee on 23-24 November in Baku. Speaking at the event, Abulfas Garayev, Azerbaijan’s minister of culture and tourism, emphasized the importance to deepen cooperation between Islamic states. Besides, on 26-27 November Azeri’s capital hosted ISECSO General Conferecne. Interfax.az
Belarus
Belarus and Great Britain plan to intensify cooperation in the field of culture, sport and tourism. On 19 November Sergey Aleynik, Belarus’ ambassador to the UK, met John Whittingdale, the UK Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport. The sides exchanged views on actual issues of bilateral cooperation in the sphere of culture, sport and tourism as well as outlined further steps to enhance Belarus-UK cooperation in these areas, Belarus’ foreign ministry wrote following the meeting. The ambassador also informed the secretary of state about Belarus bid to host the General Assembly of the European Olympic Committee (EOC) in 2016 in Minsk. Naviny.by
Georgia
Georgian cultural center and church were opened in Amsterdam. Georgian cultural center and a church were opened in Amsterdam. The Center will teach Georgian language, history, culture and geography for children of Georgian emigrants, Gruzia.online wrote, adding that the opening ceremony was attended by representatives of Georgian diplomatic mission to the Netherlands. Gruzia.online
Georgian culture festival was conducted in Russia for the first time. For the first time in Russia, Saint Petersburg hosted a festival of Georgian Culture “Feel Georgia.” The festival was opened on 24 November and presented Georgian cinema, art, music, painting and folklore. Besides the programme included topical discussion clubs, round tables, art history lectures and contests. Vestikavkaza
Moldova
Moldova set a new holiday – the Day of national costume. The holiday will be celebrated on the last Sunday of June. Moldova’s ministry of culture has initiated the establishment of a new holiday aimed at promoting national costume, Moldpres wrote. National costume together with language, national anthem and flag is a national symbol, Monica Babuc, Moldova’s minister of culture, said, adding that modern society has increased interest to a national costume inspiring designers all over the world. This holiday will be dedicated to all ethical groups living in Moldova. Moldpres
Ukraine
Ukraine joined EU’s Creative Europe programme. Ukraine joined EU’s Creative Europe programme, one of the biggest cultural initiatives, with Tibor Navracsics, the European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, and Viacheslav Kyrylenko, Ukraine’s culture minister, signing the respective agreement, ICTV reports. Almost EUR 1,5 billion is foreseen by programme’s budget for the period till 2020, the channel adds. ICTV, UNIAN
Poroshenko declared 2016 to be the year of English language in Ukraine. Respective decree was signed on 17 November, Interfax-Ukraina reported with reference to presidential press service. The Cabinet of Ministers was instructed to elaborate and approve a complex of measures for 2016 and the following years aimed at intensify English study in Ukraine. It is necessary to develop mutual exchange of pupils and students between educational facilities of Ukraine and foreign states where English is the main language of communication. Ukrainian general education institutions should take active part in the EU program “E-Twinning Plus”. Ukraine should involve foreign professionals and native speakers in teaching English and simplify their entry and stay in Ukraine. It is also planned to establish TV and radio programs of learning English for different categories of people and demonstrate movies in English with Ukrainian subtitles. Under the Decree, it is necessary to evaluate public servants’ knowledge of English and organize language course for its study. Learning English should be included in training programs for public servants and local government officials. Interfax-Ukraina
