Slovakia Reverses Culture Exchange Pause With Russia and Belarus

In a surprising move, Slovakia’s Minister of Culture, Martina Simkovičová, reversed a prior decision to pause bilateral cultural exchanges with Russia and Belarus. The minister’s remarks were relayed by the ministry’s spokesperson, Pavel Čorba, through the Slovak daily Pravda. The explanation emphasized that culture should not be affected by the theatre of global conflicts, stressing that artists and cultural workers ought to be insulated from the consequences of broader political disputes. Pravda reported the statement as a key pivot in the country’s cultural policy, underscoring the belief that creative collaboration can transcend momentary geopolitical tensions. (Pravda)