Kohima: Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio, visited Wales this week to officially sign a partnership agreement, making Wales a designated partner for the 2024 Hornbill Festival, one of India’s largest cultural events.
This marks the culmination of “Wales in India 2024,” a year-long series of events aimed at strengthening ties between the two regions.
The partnership was formalised during a meeting between Rio and representatives from the Welsh Government, British Council, and Wales Arts International at the British Council offices in Cardiff. The Chief Minister also met Deputy First Minister of Wales and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies MS, to discuss the collaboration.
Rio expressed his gratitude to the Welsh Government and the British Council for their involvement in the partnership. “We have confidence that this partnership will strengthen ties between our two countries and increase people-to-people contact and open opportunities for young people” he said. “Nagaland has a rich heritage, and we look forward to welcoming Wales to experience the land of festivals, for the 25th edition of Hornbill”, Rio said.
As part of his visit, Rio also held discussions with the newly-appointed Minister for Culture, Skills, and Social Partnership, Jack Sargeant MS. He further explored academic and cultural exchanges during visits to the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and the School of Sport and Health Sciences at Cardiff Metropolitan University.
The delegation accompanying Rio included Advisor for Industries & Commerce, Hekani Jakhalu; Advisor to the Chief Minister, Abu Metha; Commissioner & Secretary to Chief Minister, Kesonyu Yhome, and Press Relations Officer to the Chief Minister, Rusemtong Longkumer. During their tour, they engaged with students and discussed potential collaborations.
“We will be exploring avenues for students from Nagaland to embark on courses at these impressive universities as well as for musicians and artists to perform in Wales,” Rio added.
Alison Barrett MBE, Director India, British Council, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership. “We are delighted that The Hornbill Festival is part of the Wales in India 2024 celebration of Two Nations of Culture and Innovation. We have had a long association with the festival and are looking forward to bringing artists and speakers from Wales for the festival to collaborate, exchange ideas and inspiration and showcase their work to audiences in Nagaland as one of India’s most spectacular festivals celebrates its 25th anniversary,” Barrett said.
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