First meeting of Russian and ASEAN culture ministers to be held in Sochi in May

The ministers of culture of Russia and the ASEAN countries will meet in Sochi in May in the framework of the cross-year of culture marking the 20th anniversary of their partner relations, said Alla Manilova, Deputy Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation.

"An ASEAN — Russia Summit to be held in May will mark 20 years of partnership between Russia and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. We'll hold our first bilateral culture festival within the framework of the summit. Another important event will be the first meeting of culture ministers," Ms Manilova said.

A combined youth symphony orchestra of Russia and ASEAN will perform at the festival's opening ceremony.