Nagaland and Malta explore cultural, academic and creative collaborations during Hornbill Festival roundtable, strengthening international partnerships and shared exchanges.
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DIMAPUR — Nagaland hosted the Malta Country Partner Roundtable on Thursday as part of Hornbill Festival 2025, with both sides discussing opportunities for collaboration in music, arts, education, creative industries and youth engagement.
Chairing the meeting, Advisor to the Chief Minister and Chairman of Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN), Abu Metha, welcomed the visiting delegation and highlighted Nagaland’s cultural vibrancy, global music engagements and the state’s historical significance in the Battle of Kohima.
According to an update, Malta’s High Commissioner to India, Reuben Gauci, drew parallels between Malta’s colonial history and the Naga experience, describing them as shared foundations for deeper cultural understanding.
He said that Malta, the smallest member of the European Union, has longstanding links with Nagaland, including Maltese families that have adopted children from the state.
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Gauci also pointed to Malta’s academic legacy through the University of Malta, which dates back to the 18th century, and expressed interest in academic collaboration with Nagaland University.
Professor Norbert, part of the Maltese delegation, praised Naga writers for their depth and originality, stating that their work deserved wider international readership.
He expressed willingness to facilitate academic exchanges, author residencies and cultural collaborations between institutions in Malta and Nagaland. The meeting also discussed opportunities in the hospitality sector and other emerging creative fields.
The update also mentioned Nagaland’s formal exchange of a partnership agreement with Arunachal Pradesh earlier on December 10, describing it as “a milestone achieved.”
The two engagements, it said, reaffirmed Nagaland’s efforts to position the Hornbill Festival as a platform for regional partnership, international cooperation, economic progress and cultural exchange.