On September 30, 2020, a videoconference was held between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan R.Meredov and the Director General of UNESCO, Ms.Audrey Azoulay.
During the meeting, the parties noted the high level of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). In this regard, the commitment of Turkmenistan to the protection of national and global values, to the promotion of dialogue between countries and peoples on the basis of cultural and humanitarian interaction was emphasized. As is known, the activity of the National Commission of Turkmenistan for UNESCO has noticeably intensified recently.
Audrey Azoulay expressed gratitude to President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov for his important contribution to the constructive development of cooperation between Turkmenistan and UNESCO, strengthening the ties of friendship between countries and peoples. Among the priority areas of cooperation are education, science, information processes and the specifics of water resources management. In this regard, Ms.Azoulay stressed the importance of organizing expert meetings, participation of the parties in distance learning projects.
Having considered the results of cooperation over the past years, the parties discussed the possibilities of expanding the legal framework for cooperation. The interest of Turkmenistan in joining the significant conventions of this organization in the near future was also expressed.
Noting the fruitfulness of cooperation in recent years, the Turkmen side expressed the country's intention to nominate its candidacy for some UNESCO structures. One of the promising areas of cooperation with UNESCO is the sphere of preserving the intangible cultural and historical heritage of the Turkmen people. Important cultural sites of Turkmenistan have already been included in the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. In this context, the parties also spoke about the importance of the Akhal-Teke horse and one of the oldest dog breeds - Alabay, the preservation and popularization of which is important in terms of protecting the world cultural heritage.
The Turkmen side also expressed interest in joining the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, which is designed to further strengthen intercultural dialogue.
The parties expressed hope for further strengthening of cooperation between Turkmenistan and UNESCO in all areas of mutual interest.
