UNESCO Director General Irina Bokova: I was glad to visit Bolgar, Kazan Kremlin and Sviyazhsk

UNESCO Director General Irina Bokova, who visited Tatarstan within the framework of events dedicated to inclusion of Bolgar historical and architectural complex in UNESCO World Heritage List on August 20, 2014, expressed her gratitude to Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov for warm hospitality.

“Accept my sincere words of gratitude for excellent organization of my itinerary in Tatarstan. It was a great privilege for me to meet you in Kazan. As a citizen of Bulgaria, I was especially happy to take part in celebrations on the occasion of inclusion of Bolgar in UNESCO World Heritage List. Everything I saw confirmed your determination to preserve and promote cultural heritage of the region.

For many centuries Bolgar was the symbol of tolerance and dialogue between cultures. I absolutely support efforts of local and federal governments aimed at preservation of these unique historical monuments that are of cultural and spiritual importance for the region.

My stay on ancient Tatarstan land helped me to learn more about education, scientific and cultural potential of the republic. I was glad to visit Tatarstan cultural monuments, including Bolgar, the Kazan Kremlin and Sviyazhsk. Due to this trip I could learn new facts about these cultural objects and their restoration. UNESCO fully shares your strive for preserving cultural heritage and promoting cultural tourism. You can count on support of our organization in preservation of cultural values for future generations.

I left Tatarstan inspired by examples of dedication of your government to our common goals and ideals. I would like to use the given opportunity to express my deep gratitude to permanent delegation of the Russian Federation to UNESCO and Commission of the Russian Federation for UNESCO for active participation in strengthening of this important cooperation. Let me once again express my gratitude for your warm hospitality”.

Irina Bokova also expressed gratitude to Tatarstan State Counsellor Mintimer Shaimiev:

“It is especially pleasant that you were accompanying me during my first visit to the republic. Taking into account the fact that I was born in Bulgaria, I was especially happy to take part in celebrations on the occasion of inclusion of Bolgar in UNESCO World Heritage List. Events that were held in Tatarstan emphasize considerable contribution of the republic in preservation and promotion of cultural heritage.

Let me note the work of regional foundation of the revival of historical and cultural monuments and your considerable contribution to protection of cultural heritage of the nation and preservation of this treasure for future generations.

Besides, I would like to say that I was glad to discuss a wide range of issues of mutual interest with you. During my conversation with leadership of the republic I was glad to see the interest in UNESCO activity and I am hoping for successful cooperation in future. The visit was very productive, and I can surely say that relations between Tatarstan and UNESCO will be enhancing. From my part, I will do my best to assist in realization of joint projects.”