Dimapur, Oct 2:   Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio of Nagaland traveled to Wales this week to establish a partnership with Wales for the Hornbill Festival, one of India’s largest cultural events. This partnership coincides with the conclusion of the Wales in India 2024 initiative, which has featured a series of events aimed at enhancing cultural relations between the two countries.

During his visit, Rio signed the partnership agreement at the British Council offices in Cardiff, meeting with representatives from the Welsh Government, the British Council, and Wales Arts International. He also engaged with Huw Irranca-Davies MS, the Deputy First Minister of Wales and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs.

In conversations with the new Minister for Culture, Skills, and Social Partnership, Jack Sargeant MS, Rio expressed appreciation for the Welsh Government and the British Council, emphasizing the partnership’s potential to strengthen ties and foster opportunities for youth. “Nagaland has a rich heritage, and we look forward to welcoming Wales to experience the land of festivals during the 25th edition of Hornbill,” he stated.

As part of his visit, Rio and his delegation toured the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and the School of Sport and Health Sciences at Cardiff Metropolitan University. The delegation included Advisor for Industries & Commerce Hekani Jakhalu, Chief Minister Advisor Abu Metha, Commissioner & Secretary to the Chief Minister Kesonyu Yhome, and Press Relations Officer Rusemtong Longkumer. They engaged with students to discuss potential collaborations.

Rio remarked, “We will explore avenues for students from Nagaland to pursue courses at these esteemed universities and for musicians and artists to perform in Wales.”

Alison Barrett MBE, Director India at the British Council, expressed her excitement about the Hornbill Festival being part of the Wales in India 2024 celebration. “We are thrilled that The Hornbill Festival is included in this celebration of Two Nations of Culture and Innovation. Our long association with the festival will allow us to bring artists and speakers from Wales to collaborate, share ideas, and showcase their work to audiences in Nagaland as this remarkable festival celebrates its 25th anniversary.”