INTERCULTURAL COOPERATION IN THE CONTEXT OF MODERN CZECH-UKRAINIAN RELATIONS

Abstract

The article analyzes the main directions, forms and mechanisms of the intercultural cooperation between the Czech Republic and Ukraine within the framework of their bilateral relations and pan-European collaboration of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. An overview of Czech-Ukrainian cooperation's contractual and legal basis in the cultural sphere was made. Peculiarities of the parties' approaches to the mutual guarantee of the rights of national minorities are considered. Interrelationships in the humanitarian sphere, particularly in cultural exchange, preservation of historical and cultural heritage, joint research, and cultural and artistic events, were studied. It has been found that joint activities to preserve the historical and cultural heritage of both countries (mass burials and burial places of prominent figures, memorials, memorial tables and commemorative signs, literary, library, and archival funds) are one of the critical directions of intercultural cooperation. The effectiveness of joint cultural-political, educational-scientific, and charitable-humanitarian measures to deepen bilateral cooperation in all areas and levels has been proven based on specific examples. As a rule, the initiators of their organization and holding are embassies, governments of both countries, relevant ministries and departments, cultural centres, diaspora and public organizations. The most popular among them is the traditional actions of the Ukrainian community in the Czech Republic: «Ukrainian Meetings», «Ukrainian Day», «Malanchyn Evening», «Meeting of Cultures», «Shevchenko Days», as well as new ones that take place in support of Ukraine in the conditions of martial law. It has been established that both the Czech Republic and Ukraine create the necessary conditions for the participation of national minorities in the cultural, social, and economic life of the country of residence and state affairs.