Baku: Azerbaijan’s State Academic National Drama Theatre has initiated a collaboration with drama theatres in China under a roadmap set by Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Culture. Theatre Director Ilham Asgarov, an Honored Cultural Worker, is currently visiting China to facilitate this partnership.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, meetings have been held with the national drama theatres in Gansu and Shandong provinces, as well as at the Shandong Grand National Drama Theatre, to explore cooperation prospects. A memorandum of cooperation was signed with the Gansu National Drama Theatre, which includes staging works from both countries’ national dramaturgy, conducting master classes, organizing tours for creative teams, and implementing joint projects.

Gansu National Drama Theatre Director Wei Shoulin expressed strong interest in partnering with the Azerbaijani theatre. During the signing ceremony, Ilham Asgarov thanked both countries’ culture ministries for their support in strengthening theatrical ties. He emphasized that this cooperation will significantly contribute to developing cultural relations between Azerbaijan and China, in alignment with President Ilham Aliyev’s policies of fostering international partnerships, including the 2025-2029 Cultural Cooperation Protocol signed in Beijing.

Asgarov noted that a key goal is to familiarize with modern Chinese theatre equipment for potential future exhibitions in Azerbaijan. He expressed confidence that the partnership will invigorate theatrical life in both nations and enhance cultural ties. The visit also included observing rehearsal processes at the Shandong Grand Theatre and Shandong National Drama Theatre, with further discussions on collaboration perspectives.