PH, Kenya ink MOU on culture, arts
THE Philippines and Kenya have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to promote cooperation in culture and the arts.
The MOU was signed by Philippine Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs of the Department of Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa B. Lazaro and Kenyan Minister for Tourism, Wildlife and Heritage Peninah Malonza, on the occasion of the inaugural meeting of the Philippines-Kenya Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) in Nairobi.
Under the MOU on Cooperation in the Fields of Arts and Culture, the two countries will collaborate in promoting cultural exchanges, including on the preservation of cultural heritage, joint programs between cultural and education institutions, and exchanges in the fields of arts, film, museum, linguistics, and records and archives management, among other areas.
“Through the MOU, the Philippines hopes to have a more structured and sustained cooperation and exchanges with Kenya as we build greater awareness and understanding between our peoples,” said Lazaro.
The MOU underscores the renewed commitment of both countries to strengthen their ties and foster mutual understanding and appreciation of each other’s cultures.
Malonza said “The signing of the MOU marks an important milestone in the bilateral relations between Kenya and the Philippines. The MOU presents wide ranging areas of cooperation that will elevate the relations of the two countries.”
The Kenyan Minister came to the signing accompanied by members of Kenya’s whole tourism sector, which demonstrates the value accorded by the Kenyan side in concluding the agreement.
The Philippines’ National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), under its newly appointed head, Chairperson Victorino Mapa Manalo, and Kenya’s Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Heritage will be the lead agencies in implementing the areas of cooperation identified in the MOU.
Diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Kenya was in 1967.
