President views as desirable participation of UNESCO in the preservation and restoration of the historical and cultural values in Gyumri

President Armen Sarkissian met with the Secretary General of UNESCO Audrey Azoulay at the Organization’s headquarters in Paris.

The President of Armenia and Secretary General of UNESCO discussed Armenia’s active involvement in the framework of the Organization and issues related to representing at this Organization the culture and values of our country in the best possible way.

The parties spoke also about the UNESCO initiative on the restoration of the cultural heritage of Mosul. Iraq. In that context, discussed was the implementation of a joint program with the Matenadaran in Yerevan.

The Secretary General of UNESCO hailed Armenia’s efforts and successful experience related to the integration of refugees from Syria, including their right for education.

The two sides underscored the importance and necessity of encouraging diversity, all-human values, and tolerance through the joint cultural and educational programs.

The President of Armenia invited the attention to Gyumri’s ancient and rich cultural heritage, to the structures which are valuable from the historical and architectural point of view. Noting that many of them currently remain in a rather dismal condition, the President viewed as desirable UNESCO’s participation to their preservation and restoration works. In this context, discussed were the opportunities of UNESCO’s assistance in the restoration of a historic structure in Gyumri.