RIGA, Oct 6 (LETA) - Liepaja 2027, a foundation in charge of the European Capital of Culture 2027 project, signed a cooperation memorandum with the British Embassy and the British Council in Latvia at the Liepaja Museum on Monday, the foundation's representative Elizabete Hartmane informed LETA.

The agreement affirms the signing parties' commitment to strengthen cooperation in the field of culture and education, to promote professional capacity building, international exchanges and public engagement initiatives in preparation for Liepaja's year as European Capital of Culture.

The memorandum was signed by British Ambassador to Latvia Kathy Leach, Liepaja 2027 Board Members Inta Sorina and Baiba Bartkevica, as well as Zane Matesovica, Country Director of the British Council in Latvia.

The memorandum provides for joint work to strengthen the professional capacity of cultural organizations, develop professional exchange programs and implement cross-sectoral projects to promote public participation and civic engagement.

Matesovica noted that the Liepaja 2027 program is in line with the organization's aim to strengthen local communities and promote civic participation.

The British Council has already supported the Liepaja 2027 Neighborhood Program, which aims to strengthen community cooperation and a sense of belonging to one's place of residence. The new agreement will continue to support community projects through advice and expertise.

Sorina, Chairperson of the Board of Liepaja 2027, noted that the British Council has become an important partner of Liepāja 2027 and the memorandum is an obvious continuation and important extension of this cooperation, involving also the British Embassy.

The British Council is an international organization working in more than 100 countries and implementing the People to People programme in Latvia. The organization has supported several initiatives in Liepaja, including education, arts and community projects.