On July 14, Vitebsk /BelTA correspondent/. The Ministry of Culture of Belarus is interested in the participation of Russian filmmakers in the XVIII Minsk International Film Festival (MIFF) "Listapad". Prospects for cooperation between the Ministries of Culture of Belarus and Russia were discussed at a meeting in Vitebsk by the heads of the departments, Pavel Latushko and Alexander Avdeev, as reported to BelTA by Anna Smolskaya, press secretary of the Ministry of Culture of Belarus. The ministers considered issues of cooperation in the field of cinematography, theatrical art, education, library and museum affairs, and exhibition activities. Pavel Latushko and Alexander Avdeev discussed the possibility of working on joint film projects, providing assistance in holding a presentation on preferential terms in the field of film production in Belarus, inviting interested filmmakers and specialists from the Russian Federation. In addition, the meeting noted the interest of the Belarusian side in inviting leading Russian filmmakers to the MIFF "Listapad", which will be held from November 5 to 12, 2011. Anna Smolskaya reported that in the field of theatrical art, the possibility of organising tours of the Yanka Kupala National Academic Theatre to Tomsk in 2013 was considered, where the play "Paŭlinka" will be presented, as well as providing support for the Valery Gergiev Easter Festival in Belarus in 2012. The ministers paid special attention to cooperation within the framework of EurAsEC. Pavel Latushko noted the positive work of the Council for Culture under the Integration Committee of EurAsEC, chaired by the Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation. The Belarusian side also expressed interest in further cooperation with leading higher education institutions in the cultural sphere of Russia (assistance in organising internships (training) for students, postgraduates, doctoral students, university teachers in the field of culture and art, and internships for Belarusian conductors in leading Russian theatres). -0-

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