Mintimer Shaimiev takes part in solemn meeting of Commission of the Russian Federation for UNESCO

On April 21 by invitation of Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov, Tatarstan State Counsellor, Chairman of Guardian Council of the Regional Foundation of the Revival of Historical and Cultural Monuments Mintimer Shaimiev took part in a solemn meeting of the Commission of the Russian Federation for UNESCO dedicated to 60th anniversary of Russia joining UNESCO (UN Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization).

To the point, USSR joined UNESCO on April 21, 1954. From December 1991 Russia took its place in the organization as a successor state.

The Commission of the Russian Federation for UNESCO founded in 1992 defines areas of cooperation between Russia and UNESCO. The commission consists of heads of ministries and agencies, representatives of regions, non-government organizations, famous Russian scientists, cultural and art workers.

Chairman of the commission is Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov.

Opening today’s meeting, Sergey Lavrov welcomed UNESCO Director General Irina Bokova, who came to Moscow to attend anniversary events, and members of the Commission of the Russian Federation for UNESCO.

“This anniversary is another opportunity to confirm our devotion to high UNESCO principles that help the organization to acquire respect and authority in the international arena. Our country is one of the most active members of the Organization and takes part in many projects implemented by UNESCO. With its centuries-old traditions of peaceful co-existence of different nations, cultures and confessions, Russia is willing to share its experience to efficiently solve tasks faced by UNESCO and its members, and favour preservation of cultural heritage. Today we can hardly imagine development of education, science, culture and communications without UNESCO, and implementation of UNESCO projects without Russia,” Sergey Lavrov said.

Sergey Lavrov also informed about resuming Russia’s membership in the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM).