On 25 September 2006, a solemn ceremony marked the signing of a Protocol of Intent between the State Hermitage and the National Art Museum of the Republic of Belarus.

Based on their common desire to facilitate the study and preservation of the world's cultural heritage in every way possible, as well as to better acquaint residents of the Republic of Belarus with the treasures of world culture and art kept in the State Hermitage, to train scholars and restorers in the Republic of Belarus, and to expand the scholarly and cultural ties existing between the State Hermitage and the National Art Museum of the Republic of Belarus, the parties concluded a Protocol of Intent regarding terms and implementation of a scholarly research and educational program of cooperation of the State Hermitage and the National Art Museum of the Republic of Belarus.

The Program may include the following scholarly research and educational projects:

• bilateral exchange of scholarly internships in the field of history and culture, the study of culture, museum management and restoration
• scholarly conferences, seminars and round tables dealing with issues of history and culture, museum management, restoration and conservation
• exhibitions of works from the collection of the State Hermitage (with possible participation of other Russian museums) to be held in the National Art Museum of the Republic of Belarus
• special consultations by scholarly staff and art restorers of the State Hermitage for employees of the National Art Museum of the Republic of Belarus
• scholarly publications of the results of joint research carried out by the State Hermitage and the National Art Museum of the Republic of Belarus, including participation of other scholarly centers and cultural institutions
• support for research programs of institutions of higher learning, including programs of scientific exchanges involving students of the St Petersburg State University and the Minsk State University
• preparation and release of educational television programs and videos dealing with issues of the art world
• support for programs of cooperation between the State Hermitage and other scholarly centers and cultural institutions of the Republic of Belarus

Scholarly direction of the Program of Cooperation will be provided by Director of the State Hermitage Mikhail Piotrovsky and Director of the National Art Museum of the Republic of Belarus V.I. Prokoptsov. A Coordinating Council consisting of representatives of the museums signing the Protocol of Intent will be especially created to prepare and implement the Program.

Signing of a Protocol of Intent between the State Hermitage and the National Art Museum of the Republic of Belarus

Serguei Sidorski, Prime Minister of the Republic of Belarus

Vladimir Prokoptsov, Director of the National Art Museum of the Republic of Belarus