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The annual Board of Trustees meeting of the Etxepare Basque Institute took place yesterday at the Lehendakaritza in Vitoria-Gasteiz.  Led by Lehendakari Iñigo Urkullu, also attending were the Minister of Education, Linguistic Policy and Culture, Cristina Uriarte, and the Director of the Etxepare Institute, Aizpea Goenaga, as well as Marian Elorza, Patxi Baztarrika, Josean Muñoz, Lorea Bilbao, Koldo Martinez, Xabi Paya and Felipe Juaristi, among other members. 

Vitoria-Gasteiz.   According to the Basque Government, those attending the meeting were informed about the annual accounts and reflected on the principal lines of work during 2016-2017.  The board also discussed the need to cover the position of Culture Director at the Etxepare Institute. The position is currently vacant and a search will soon be underway.  

Addressing the members of the board, Lehendakari Iñigo Urkullu wanted to emphasize the mission of the Institute: “Etxepare should be the ambassador of our language and culture, supporting Euskera and the work done by our artists, encourage interest in our culture around the world.”

The Lehendakari stressed the need of further enhancing collaboration via a strong and consolidated brand:  “Euskadi-Basque Country is the way to internationalize our country.  We need to continue the journey of historical figures like Juan Sebastian Elcano who circumnavigated the world for the first time.”

The Lehendakari believes “it is necessary for the Etxepare Institute to work with this attitude and values, with effort and commitment.  In this global world, we have to find our place as well as international recognition,” he said.