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During a working visit to Paris, Armenian Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Zhanna Andreasyan met with UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Culture Nayef Al-Fayez.
The Armenian Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports announced the meeting in a statement.
Deputy Minister Artur Martirosyan and Armenia’s Permanent Representative to UNESCO Aram Hakobyan also attended the meeting.
Congratulating Al-Fayez on his appointment as UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Culture, Andreasyan wished him success in his new role and expressed confidence that, under his leadership, UNESCO’s cultural agenda would be enriched with new initiatives and expanded opportunities for international cooperation.
Al-Fayez congratulated Armenia on its election to the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, describing it as an important achievement and a testament to the country’s cultural standing at the international level.
The sides also discussed Armenia’s active participation in the work of UNESCO’s governing and expert bodies.
They reviewed prospects for cooperation between the Mesrop Mashtots Matenadaran and UNESCO. Andreasyan presented the Matenadaran’s scientific, educational and cultural activities, noting that it is not only a leading centre for the preservation and study of manuscripts but also has the potential to become a regional and international training hub in the field of manuscript conservation and restoration.
The meeting also covered Armenian anniversaries included in UNESCO’s Calendar of Commemorations for 2026–2027, namely the 150th anniversary of the birth of prominent Armenian linguist and academician Hrachya Acharian and the 100th anniversary of the start of the construction of Republic Square in Yerevan. Events dedicated to both anniversaries will also be held at UNESCO Headquarters.
Andreasyan also stressed the importance for Armenia of participating in the upcoming session and ensuring effective cooperation within the framework of the World Heritage Committee and the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.
The sides also discussed preparations for the 10th International Francophone Games, which Armenia will host in 2027.
At the end of the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation in the field of culture and expressed confidence that the meeting would provide an important foundation for launching new joint programmes and initiatives.