Our Correspondent
Kohima | December 10
Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio today described the partnership between Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh for the Hornbill Festival 2025 as “historic and deeply symbolic.”
“This is the first time our two neighbouring states have come together in such a significant manner, not merely as a celebration of culture, but as a commitment to strengthen friendship, forge meaningful collaborations, and work towards collective progress through partnership,” he stated a written message at the roundtable conference between Arunachal and Nagaland held under the theme “Building Bonds, Strengthening Future” at Handloom & Craft Pavillion, Kisama.
The state of Arunachal Pradesh and its talented citizens have left an indelible mark in the 2025 edition, he added.
CM Rio also noted that the cultural performances at the Unity Plaza at Kisama, and at Lok Bhavan Kohima, (formerly Raj Bhavan) showcased the State's vibrant traditions, artistic excellence, and rich cultural diversity.
The Arunachal Pavilion further highlighted the State's impressive value-added products across agriculture, food processing, textiles, handicrafts, and associated sectors, adding tremendous value to the overall festival experience, he added.
He also expressed appreciation to Government and people of Arunachal Pradesh for their wholehearted participation and for enriching the Festival in a many ways and lauded CM Pema Khandu for his personal initiative and leadership in making this partnership a reality.
“I am confident that this collaboration will bring our two states closer, enhance people-to-people ties, and contribute to shared growth and prosperity, benefiting present and future generations alike,” CM Rio added.
‘Meaningful,’ says CM Khandu
Meanwhile, Arunachal CM Khandu stated that Hornbill Festival stands as a powerful expression of cultural pride, unity, and the celebration of living traditions of Nagaland, and the entire North East.
The festival has evolved from a platform to revive and protect the rich culture and display Nagaland’s extravaganza and traditions into a remarkable cultural and social partnership that brings communities, cultures, and ideas together, he noted in his message for the conference.
This reflects shared values and aspirations of the people of the NE region and beyond, CM Khandu noted, adding with countries such as the United Kingdom and Ireland becoming country partners, the Hornbill Festival has truly become global
The partnership between Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland “is both historic and meaningful,” he said, adding that beyond symbolism, the collaboration reflected the collective commitment to friendship, mutual respect, and strengthening ties through cultural exchange, economic collaboration, and people-to-people engagement.
Arunachal Pradesh was proud to be the State Partner, CM Khandu said, adding that the partnership marked an important step towards collective growth and shared progress and expressed optimism that it would strengthen ties between the two States while opening new avenues for cooperation for future.
“I look forward to this partnership growing from strength to strength, contributing to deeper regional integration, cultural understanding, and shared prosperity,” he added.
Pathways for networking
Investment & Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN) Chairman Abu Metha maintained that one of the ‘most transformative’ developments of the Hornbill Festival in recent years has been the introduction of Country Partners and State Partners.
“This concept has significantly widened the scope of the Festival, opening pathways for networking, investment, institutional cooperation, creative exchange, and people-to-people engagement,” he stated.
It has allowed culture to become a bridge - connecting aspirations, ideas, and opportunities across borders, he added.
Metha also noted that the Arunachal –Nagaland partnership has potential to positively reshape the narrative of the long-standing bonds shared by the people of two states, crediting CM Rio and CM Khandu’s personal commitment for the meaningful partnership.
The time had come for citizens of both States, especially the youth, to play a greater role in nation-building and contribute to society through creativity, innovation, leadership and enterprise, he added.
