KATHMANDU: Russian Ambassador to Nepal Alexey Surovtsev met a delegation from the Russian branch of the International Council of Museums (ICOM-Russia) as Nepal and Russia move to strengthen cooperation in museum development, cultural heritage preservation, and professional exchange.

The delegation comprises Artem Silkin, Vice-President of ICOM-Russia and Director of the Sviyazhsk Island-Town Museum-Reserve; Olga Chistanova, Executive Director of ICOM-Russia; and Natalia Fedyanina, Board Member of ICOM-Russia and Director of the Norilsk Museum.

The visit follows growing collaboration between the museum communities of the two countries. Earlier this year, ICOM-Nepal President Ramesh Dawadi participated in the St. Petersburg International United Cultures Forum with the support of the Russian Embassy in Nepal.

Organized with the support of the Russian House in Kathmandu, the delegation’s visit aims to deepen cooperation with ICOM-Nepal by familiarizing Russian experts with Nepal’s museum sector and establishing direct institutional links with leading Nepalese museums.

During their stay, the delegation will tour major museum complexes across the Kathmandu Valley, hold meetings with museum leaders and cultural institutions, and participate in an expert roundtable at the Russian House on July 23. Representatives from more than 18 museums across Nepal are expected to attend the event.

Founded in 1946 in Paris, the International Council of Museums (ICOM) is the world’s leading professional organization for museums and museum professionals. It maintains the highest consultative status with UNESCO and the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and operates an extensive global network of national and regional committees.

Following the visit, both sides plan to develop an educational and professional training program to enhance the skills of Nepalese museum professionals, marking a new chapter in Nepal-Russia cultural cooperation and heritage preservation.