YEREVAN,  SEPTEMBER 15, ARMENPRESS/BTA.Nessebar remains on the UNESCO World Heritage List, the Ministry of Culture told BTA. The decision was taken at the 45th extended session of UNESCO, taking place in Riyadh between September 10 and 25. Bulgaria was represented by Culture Minister Krastyu Krastev, his deputy Chavdar Georgiev and adviser Amelia Gesheva were present.

The delegation, which presented the Bulgarian position on the Nessebar file on September 14, was led by Deputy Culture Minister Georgiev. Bulgaria participated as a member for the first time in 30 years, the Ministry said.

The decision on Nessebar was adopted by full consensus, with 15 countries speaking in favour of changes proposed by Japan to back the maintaining of Nessebar's UNESCO status. "The countries that spoke congratulated Bulgaria for its long-standing efforts in the conservation of Nessebar, for developing the first such Nessebar Heritage Strategy, and for including the offshore area within the site's boundaries," the Ministry also said.

"Our country has gained valuable time in which a plan for the conservation and management of the Ancient City of Nessebar will be developed, as well as other strategic documents that will ensure the preservation of the cultural, historical and archaeological heritage of the peninsula, the Culture Ministry said.

During his visit to Riyadh, Minister Krastev met with Rakan bin Ibrahim Al-Tawq, Saudi Deputy Minister of Culture for International Cultural Relations. A number of issues related to cultural cooperation between the two countries were discussed during the talks.

During the session, Bulgaria also presented its submarine heritage, its preservation and research. The documentary highlighted the work and achievements of the Bulgarian Centre for Underwater Archaeology.

(This information is being published according to an agreement between Armenpress and BTA.)