As part of her working visit to Paris, RA Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport, Zhanna Andreasyan, had a meeting with Nayef H. Al-Fayez, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Culture.
ESCS Deputy Minister Arthur Martirosyan and Armenia's Permanent Representative to UNESCO, Aram Hakobyan also attended the meeting.
Congratulating Nayef Al-Fayez on his appointment as UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Culture, Zhanna Andreasyan wished him success in his new responsibilities and expressed confidence that, under his leadership, UNESCO's cultural agenda would be enriched with new initiatives and expanded opportunities for international cooperation.
Nayef Al-Fayez congratulated Armenia on its election to the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, describing it as a significant achievement and a testament to the country's growing cultural standing at the international level.
The meeting also addressed Armenia's active engagement in the work of UNESCO's governing and professional bodies.
The parties discussed prospects for cooperation between the Mesrop Mashtots Matenadaran and UNESCO. The ESCS Minister presented the Matenadaran's scientific, educational, and cultural activities, emphasizing that it is not only a leading institution for the preservation and study of manuscripts, but also has the potential to become a regional and international hub for professional training in manuscript conservation and restoration.
The discussion also touched upon the Armenian anniversaries included in UNESCO's 2026–2027 Calendar of Anniversaries of Eminent Personalities and Important Events, notably the 150th anniversary of the birth of prominent Armenian linguist and academician Hrachya Acharian and the 100th anniversary of the commencement of the construction of Republic Square in Yerevan. Commemorative events dedicated to these anniversaries will also be held at UNESCO Headquarters.
Zhanna Andreasyan also noted that Armenia attaches great importance to participating in the upcoming session of the World Heritage Committee and to strengthening cooperation within the framework of UNESCO's Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.
The meeting also included discussions on preparations for the 10th International Cultural and Sports Games of La Francophonie, which Armenia will host in 2027.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation in the field of culture and expressed confidence that the discussions would provide a solid foundation for launching new joint programs and initiatives.