More than 2,000 cultural figures, foreign experts and officials gathered in St. Petersburg for the 11th International United Cultures Forum, where Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasized the importance Moscow places on cultural and humanitarian cooperation and Pakistan’s federal minister for national heritage and culture highlighted growing cultural ties between the two countries.
The forum drew over 2,000 participants, including prominent Russian artists and cultural leaders, international cultural organization heads, business representatives and senior government officials. Delegates took part in plenary sessions, panel discussions and sessions focused on regional cultural cooperation.
At the plenary session, President Putin stressed that Russia values the cultural and humanitarian dimensions of international cooperation. He voiced support for strengthening relationships between Russian and foreign artists as a means to foster mutual understanding and collaboration across borders.
Pakistan’s Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture, Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, attended the forum and addressed sessions attended by foreign ministers and heads of international organizations. He also spoke at a session on cultural cooperation among Shanghai Cooperation Organisation member states, underscoring Pakistan’s interest in deepening regional cultural ties.
Khichi pointed to the popularity in Pakistan of Russian literary figures such as Alexander Pushkin and Leo Tolstoy as an example of longstanding cultural connections, and expressed hope that cultural relations between Pakistan and Russia will continue to grow.
Participants enjoyed a diverse cultural programme in St. Petersburg, visiting historic sites and exhibitions and attending concerts. These activities gave attendees direct exposure to Russia’s rich historical and cultural heritage and offered practical opportunities for cultural exchange and networking.
