On February 11 Tajik Foreign Minister Hamrokhon Zarifi met in Paris with UNESCO Secretary General Irina Bokova.
According to Tajik Foreign Ministry, the sides shared their views on current condition and further development of relations between Tajikistan and UNESCO.
“Mr. Zarifi handed Tajik President Emomali Rahmon’s personal message to UNESCO Secretary General and invited UNESCO to coordinate the 3rd Pamir highland international geophysical expedition in 2013-2018. The proposed expedition will provide a unique opportunity for development of glaciological and climate science and will let assess water resources of Central Asia,” Tajik Foreign Ministry reported, adding that previous expeditions to Pamir were carried out in 1928-1933 and 1958-1962.
Tajik Foreign Minister reminded of UNESCO’s contribution to promotion of Tajikistan’s initiatives in water and cultural spheres. In this context Mr. Zarifi urged UNESCO to add ancient settlement of Penjikent into the list of World Heritage Sites.
UNESCO Secretary General gave positive assessment to the country’s international activity and initiatives in water sphere and outlined the importance of the forthcoming International high-level conference on water cooperation.
On behalf of Tajik Government Tajik Foreign Minister invited Irina Bokova to take part in the forthcoming International conference due in August 2013 and invited her to visit Tajikistan.
Hamrokhon Zarifi also talked about Afghanistan and offered UNESCO to take an active part in resolution of current and urgent problems in neighboring country.
