On November 14, the Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine, Mykola Tochytskyi, met with Ricardo López-Aranda Jagu, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Spain to Ukraine. During the meeting, they discussed the prospects for Ukrainian-Spanish cooperation in the field of culture.
The Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine, Mykola Tochytskyi, expressed gratitude to the Spanish side for their support in preserving Ukraine’s national cultural heritage, which continues to suffer damage due to russian aggression. He specifically highlighted the assistance of the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) through the project “Culture for Peace and Resilience: Establishing a Cultural Hub in Lviv, Ukraine”.
“It is immensely important that, in these times, you not only support us but also continue to explore our culture. From translating Ukrainian books to establishing cultural hubs, each of your actions contributes to the preservation of our cultural heritage. Our strategic priority goals are to preserve, progress and promote Ukrainian culture and cultural heritage as part of the world’s culture. We look forward to the continued support of our partners in this,” emphasized Mykola Tochytskyi.
The Minister further stressed that the restoration of Ukraine’s cultural heritage must take a prominent place on the international agenda. He expressed hope for Spain’s active involvement in the establishment of a cultural-humanitarian coalition aimed at improving coordination of international efforts to strengthen the resilience of Ukraine’s cultural sector. The road-map which is now being elaborated is to be presented at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome in summer 2025.
Ricardo López-Aranda Jagu, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain to Ukraine, highlighted that Spanish society continues to support Ukraine, recognizing cultural heritage as an integral part of the broader resistance against russian aggression.
“We fully understand that your struggle is not only military but also cultural and psychological. We recognize the importance of protecting Ukraine’s national identity, history, and cultural heritage from russian aggression. This is our shared message to the world: Ukraine’s cultural heritage must be preserved and restored, and we are ready to support you in this endeavor,” emphasized the Ambassador.
The parties also discussed the importance of partnership in promoting Ukrainian culture to Spanish-speaking audiences. This includes the translation of Ukrainian books into Spanish, collaborative theater projects, art exhibitions, and film screenings. Cultural exchange would help to strengthen ties between two nations.
“Joint cultural projects, festivals, and photo exhibitions help us better understand one another. I am particularly proud of our productive collaboration with Ukrainian artists. It is important to me to showcase these results in Spain so that our society can see the reality of what is happening in Ukraine. Such cultural exchange is essential for both countries, as it not only showcases our joint efforts but also creates new meanings,” shared the Ambassador.
The meeting also addressed cooperation in combating the illicit trafficking of cultural property and enhancing collaboration in returning stolen artifacts to Ukraine.
