In order to widely popularize the rich historical and cultural heritage of the Turkmen people in the world, the National Commission of Turkmenistan for UNESCO will have an Internet site. Vice-Premier and Minister of Foreign Affairs Rashid Meredov made such a proposal to the President of Turkmenistan at a Government meeting held today, the State News Agency reports.

As per his words, by means of this website it is planned to highlight on an ongoing basis the achievements and prospects of cooperation with UNESCO.

In accordance with the international practice and requirements of a special resolution adopted by the General by the UNESCO General Conference, a draft national logo of the Commission has been prepared, as well as a draft Regulation of its Secretariat.

A crucial place in bilateral cooperation possesses Turkmenistan's accession to UNESCO Conventions, including the Convention “On Measures aimed at prohibiting and preventing the illegal import, export and transfer of ownership of cultural property”.

In order to continue this work, it is offered to learn the issue on joining of Turkmenistan to the UNESCO Convention “On acquisition of qualifications related to the higher education in the European region”, adopted in 1997 in Lisbon. Currently, 54 States are parties to this document.

The Foreign Minister also reported on taken measures for adding cultural and spiritual values of the Turkmen people to the UNESCO World Heritage List. Along with this, work is underway to include Ashgabat in the UNESCO Network of Creative Cities. In this context, to prepare a profile nomination, it is proposed to create a commission consisting of representatives of relevant government agencies and hold its first meeting on April 30 this year.

In the meantime, the preparation of a multilateral nomination for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List of the Koytendag mountain ecosystem, located in the eastern region of our country, is also continuing. In this regard, it seems appropriate to hold regular consultations between the National Commissions of Turkmenistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan for UNESCO. It is proposed to start these consultations in May.

“Turkmenistan takes active position in the issues of cooperation with this largest specialized UN institution, as evidenced by successfully implemented and ongoing joint projects, as well as constructive international initiatives of our country, supported by the Community of Nations,” President Serdar Berdimuhamedov said.

Having approved the proposed offers, the Head of State underlined the necessity to carry on systematic work on further fortification of multi-vector cooperation with UNESCO, adoption of gradual steps on wide popularization in the world of the richest historical and cultural heritage of the Turkmen folk, and adding its unique values to the UNESCO World Heritage List.