DUSHANBE, January 28, 2012, Asia-Plus – A January 27 government meeting, presided over by President Emomali Rahmon, considered issues related to preparations for the Fifth Regional Economic Cooperation Conference on Afghanistan (RECCA V) and International Navrouz Day, according to the presidential press service.

The meeting members included heads of relevant ministries and organizations and senior representative from president’s office responsible for preparations for these two events.

Deputy Prime Minister Ruqiya Qurbonova and Foreign Minister Hamrokhon Zarifi reported on measures taken to ensure holding RECCA V at high level.  Representatives of 40 countries and 35 regional and international organizations have been invited to attend the conference that is scheduled to take place in Dushanbe on March 26-27.

Tajikistan hosts International Navrouz Celebrations this year and high-ranking delegation from more than 30 countries are expected to attend celebrations in Dushanbe.

The United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution on February 18, 2010 declaring March 21 International Navrouz Day.  In September 2009, the UN''s cultural agency, UNESCO, included Navrouz in its list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.