MP CM, French envoy sign MoU for cultural ties

Bhopal

French Ambassador Thierry Mathou met Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav at his official residence, Samatva Bhavan, in Bhopal on Friday. During the meeting, a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed to promote cooperation between France and Madhya Pradesh in culture, tourism, and education.

The MoU was signed by Dr. Mathou, MP's Principal Secretary of Tourism and Culture Shiv Shekhar Shukla, and Akhilesh Verma, President of Alliance Française de Bhopal. It will remain in effect for three years and can be extended by mutual agreement.

The agreement aims to jointly organise cultural events like art festivals, music and dance shows, exhibitions, film screenings, and food festivals. An Indo-French Cultural Calendar will be created every year to plan these activities.

Chief Minister Yadav described the MoU as a step toward positioning Madhya Pradesh as a key destination for cultural exchange and tourism. He emphasized India and France’s long-standing friendship and said the MoU would also support business ties.

CM Yadav announced his upcoming visit to France to attend a business meeting where he will invite industrialists to invest in Madhya Pradesh. He highlighted areas for collaboration, including industrial growth, entrepreneurship, and traditional crafts.

French Ambassador Dr. Mathou expressed happiness over the partnership, stating that the MoU will boost cooperation in culture, education, tourism, and environmental awareness. Both leaders believe this agreement will help increase tourism from France and Europe while offering international exposure to local artists and heritage.