On 16 May, as part of the official visit of the Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine, Mykola Tochytskyi, to Estonia, a Programme of Cooperation for 2025–2029 was signed between the Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine and the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Estonia.

At the Ministry of Culture in Tallinn, the document was signed by the Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine, Mykola Tochytskyi, and the Minister of Culture of Estonia, Heidy Purga, in the presence of the Ambassador of Ukraine to the Republic of Estonia, Maksym Kononenko, and representatives of the Ukrainian community in Estonia. The Programme enters into force on the date of its signing and will remain in effect until 31 December 2029.

“Estonia has been and will remain a steadfast supporter of Ukraine. We want to stand by their side in the cultural field as well – maintaining and strengthening the ties that help Ukrainians preserve, develop, and share their culture with the world even in times of war. This cooperation programme is an expression of that commitment – a handshake across borders to affirm: we believe in you and we stand with you,” said Minister of Culture Heidy Purga. 

The objective of the Programme is to deepen Ukrainian-Estonian cooperation in the field of culture through the exchange of experience and the implementation of joint initiatives in the areas of theatre, music, library and museum work, cinematography, the protection and restoration of cultural heritage sites, folk art, visual arts, arts education, literature, as well as the development of creative industries and cultural infrastructure.

‘’I am confident that the signing of this Program will be an important impetus for the further development of friendly relations between our countries, will contribute to the deepening of Ukrainian-Estonian cultural cooperation, ensure the comprehensive development and popularization of the culture of both countries and will be a strong confirmation of the mutual intention to exchange cultural experience, establish new contacts and improve mutual understanding between the peoples of Ukraine and Estonia,’’ stated the Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine, Mykola Tochytskyi.

The Programme provides for the support of bilateral cultural and artistic projects, the exchange of experts and creative groups, and the creation of favourable conditions for establishing partnerships between institutions of Ukraine and Estonia.

In addition, while in Tallinn, the Ministers visited the exhibition ‘Faces of Courage: The Unbreakable Defenders of Azovstal’ in the Krulli Quarter.