Cultural diplomacy, bridge for global unity — Envoy
Culture
By Maureen Okon
Abuja, May 10, 2018 ( NAN) Mr Ketil Karlsen, the Head of the European Union (EU) Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS on Thursday, said that cultural diplomacy would further unite the world.
Karlsen spoke with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), at the sideline of the occasion of the Europe Day reception, held in Abuja.
He added that, culture was one of the set out goal of the union in Nigeria.
“Everything in my speech today is about culture, is about food culture, culinary diplomacy, music, Nigerian European choir, and the exposition of wonderful photography.
“For me cultural diplomacy is a very important work that we are doing because that’s the language that will bridge different parts of the world by the end of the day.
“So I am very interested in promoting culture as a very active part of our democratic building and also of building relationships.
“As part of the Europe Day celebration we are launching a movie called ‘Swollow’ done by the Yar’dua Foundation in collaboration with the EU on food security, but also demonstrating the resilience and the good will of the people of Nigeria.
“This is also showing how you can use a cultural product like a movie to send a very powerful massage particularly to the youths,’’ he said.
NAN reports that the event was graced by top government officials, EU states and friends of the EU in their different cultural and colourful attires.
The event was also graced by the Senate President Bukola Saraki, Minister of Foreign Affairs Geoffrey Onyeama, his Excellence, Executive Governor of Edo State Mr Godwin Obaseki, amongst others.
NAN also reports that the movie screening would be in SilverBird Cinema in Lagos on May 20. (NAN)
ETIM/JTJ/EAL
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Edited by Julius Toba Jegede/Ekemini Ladejobi