DUSHANBE, February 6, Asia-Plus  -- Issues related to cooperation between Tajikistan and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) were discussed at a meeting of Foreign Minister Hamrokhon Zarifi with Ms. Tarja Virtanen, Head of the UNESCO Almay Cluster Office for Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, in Dushanbe on February 4, according to Tajik MFA.   

During the meeting, the two, in particular, discussed preservation of Tajik historical and cultural relics such as Sarazm, Hulbuk and Takhti Sangin, which are of great historical value not only for Tajikistan but also for the whole world.   

Zarifi and Virtanen also discussed issues if expansion of intercultural dialogue in the Central Asian region and implementation of a number programs in the field of education.   

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization was created in 1945, as one of specialized UN agencies.

The UNESCO Almaty Office (established in 1994) works in four countries, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. It works through and in cooperation with the National Commissions for UNESCO in each country and partner networks in its fields of competence.  UNESCO’s mission is to contribute to peace and human development through Education, the Sciences, Culture and Communication.