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06.01.2015 - ODG

Director-General and President of Turkey underline Importance of Dialogue among Cultures and Safeguarding of Cultural Heritage in Syria and Iraq

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On 6 January, 2015, the UNESCO Director-General, Irina Bokova, met with His Excellency Mr Recep Tayyip Erdogan, President of Turkey at the Presidential Palace.

The President underlined the importance of the Organization for Turkey and pointed to the "disastrous" situation in Syria but also in Iraq.  He referred to the destruction and trafficking of unique historical artefacts, and expressed particular concern for the citizens and cultural heritage of Aleppo.

The Director-General underlined the efforts of UNESCO to safeguard cultural heritage and diversity of both Syria and Iraq -- including to stop the illicit trafficking of cultural goods. She pointed to her call for Aleppo to be considered a 'culturally protected area,' noting her visit to Baghdad and Erbil in November to stand with the Government and people of Iraq.

"With Turkey's help, we can make even more of a difference to protect the cultural heritage of both countries," said the Director-General.

The President also highlighted the need for deeper dialogue between all cultures and nations. The Director-General referred here to UNESCO's wide-ranging experience in this respect, underlining the importance of the UN Alliance of Civilisations, with which UNESCO has a strong partnership. She expressed her concern about the use of religion by some to drive a wedge between civilizations -- stressing the importance here of fighting Islamophobia and other forms of intolerance. 

The President agreed strongly, pointing to various incidents of Islamophobia across the world and the need for Governments and people to unite against discrimination. "It is not just about Islam -- there is also antisemitism that we need to fight against," said the President. He also referred to his own efforts to restore and protect Christian churches and monasteries. 

Irina Bokova thanked the President for the active role of Turkey in these areas and at UNESCO. She expressed her gratitude for the extrabudgetary support provided by Turkey to the UNESCO Emergency Fund in 2012 and looked forward to "an even more active role in the Organisation." She had come to Turkey to renew UNESCO's partnership with Turkey and she was grateful for the President's vision and commitment.




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