US, Myanmar to cooperate in cultural heritage conservation

The US and Myanmar have agreed to cooperate in conserving Mandalay's cultural heritage, it was announced here Saturday.

US Ambassador Derek Mitchell and Myanmar's Deputy Minister of Culture U Than Swe formally commenced the historic partnership at the Shwe Nan-Daw Monastery (Shwe Kyaung) in Mandalay Friday, Xinhua reported citing a US embassy release.

Over the next two years, US-funded specialists would train local craftsmen and government experts in preservation techniques to preserve this culturally significant teak wood monastery in Mandalay, the release said.

During the ceremony, Ambassador Mitchell said: "We officially kick off an initiative that represents an important chapter in the relationship between our two countries, works to preserve a key piece of this country's cultural legacy and highlights the rich traditions of Myanmar."

The project is supported through the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP), a US Department of State Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs (ECA) programme that supports the preservation of cultural sites, cultural objects and forms of traditional cultural expression in more than 100 countries around the world.

Shwe Nan Daw Monastery is one of the most beautiful and most visited monasteries in Myanmar erected by Myanmar craftsmen during the time of King Mingdon, who was the founder of the ancient city of Mandalay and its environs.

Its teak wood craftsmanship is very significant and artistic and reflects Myanmar's traditional style.

source: Business Standard

http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/us-myanmar-to-cooperate-in-cultural-heritage-conservation-114021500614_1.html