Within the framework of his official visit to France, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon on November 8 met in Paris with the UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay to discuss cooperation between Tajikistan and UNESCO, according to the Tajik president’s official website.
President Rahmon reportedly appreciated UNESCO's contribution toward the expansion of cooperation in the fields of culture, science and education.
The meeting covered the preservation of valuable historical and cultural heritage of the Tajik people, including the inscription of historical and cultural relicts located in the territory of Tajikistan on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Tajik leader, in particular, noted, "In the context of globalization, preservation of natural history, values, including language, national culture of ancestors and noble traditions and customs is of great importance."
Tajikistan and UNESCO cooperation’s main aim is to maintain peace and stability and sustainable development through the expansion of ties.
The traditional musical genre "Shashmaqom", Navrouz festival and Chakan embroidery art are already on the List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Next year, Tajikistan intends to celebrate the 5500th anniversary of the proto-urban site of Sarazm . This center of settlement, one of the oldest in Central Asia, was inscribed on the UNESCO Heritage List in 2010.
While discussing the implementation of plans for increasing the influx of tourists, and enhancing the presentation of historical and cultural monuments, the officials emphasized the necessity of UNESCO's assistance in working out the right strategies for the development of education and improving teacher training workshops, the Tajik president’s press service said.
Director-General Azoulay reportedly proposed to expand cooperation within the framework of UNESCO's special programs for the study of glaciers and water resources. In this regard, the parties exchanged views on pressing global issues, such as climate change and its negative impacts.
At the end of the meeting, President Emomali Rahmon invited Director-General Azoulay to visit Tajikistan, which was accepted with pleasure.
Emomali Rahmon met with UNESCO Director-General ahead of the Paris Peace Forum, which is an annual global meeting bringing together international stakeholders in open dialogue towards global governance, international cooperation and collective action for a peaceful world.
