Moldova and France on April 18 signed an administrative arrangement designed to protect and develop the cultural heritage. The cooperation agreement was signed by the Ministry of Culture of Moldova and the Embassy of France in Chisinau. It envisions exchange of experience between the two sides, IPN reports.
Minister of Culture Monica Babuc said the Ministry assumed responsibility for working out policies to conserve, protect and put the national cultural heritage to good use. Starting with 2010, the Ministry proposed a series of legislative initiatives regarding the protection and conservation of the movable and archeological cultural heritage, public monuments and intangible heritage.
“The new Law on Museums is almost ready and the accord signed today with the Republic of France will thus have a solid legislative support. We will be able to cooperate in the most important areas with French specialists and experts,” stated Monica Babuc. She added that the implementation of the arrangement will help to put the heritage to good use and to improve the managerial, administrative and professional capacities of the personnel from this field.
French Ambassador Pascal Vagogne noted that this arrangement has been prepared for a long period. After declaring its independence, Moldova inspired itself from France in improving the normative and administrative framework in the area of heritage. “The first discussions about this accord started during a mission of the Embassy to the Agency for Monument Inspection and Restoration in 2014. I’m glad that this accord is signed today, April 18, when it is celebrated the UNESCO International Day for Monuments and Sites,” said the diplomat.
Pascal Vagogne also said that the signing of the accord marks the opening of a forum on urbanism and sustainable development. During two days, experts from France will interact with Moldovan specialists from the field. “The goal of the forum is to interlink the approaches between Moldovan and French specialists, to draw conclusions and to exchange good practices,” he stated.
The Moldovan-French agreement envisions capacity building, making of visits and implementation of bilateral projects between the two states.
