Ramazan Abdulatipov meets with deputy director-general of UNESCO Eric Falt

Paris, December 15, 2015. The day before in Paris, on the occasion of the Days of Dagestan in the headquarters of UNESCO, the Head of Dagestan Ramazan Abdulatipov met with the deputy director-general of UNESCO, Eric Falt.

During the dialogue, it was noted that the Republic of Dagestan possesses a high educational, cultural and scientific potential, implements important measures to preserve ethnic and cultural identity of indigenous peoples of the Northern Caucasus, promotes inter-cultural and inter-religious dialogue, protects the cultural and historical monuments in the territory of the region.

R. Abdulatipov, in particular, underlined that the celebration of the 2000th anniversary of Derbent was held with support of the Russian Federation President Vladimir Putin. Besides, R. Abdulatipov pointed out that the organization of events dedicated to the city in the headquarters of UNESCO was a great honor for all Dagestanis.

In turn, Eric Falt got familiarized with great interest with Dagestan exposition representing the culture and history of the ancient city of Russia. It was reported that Irina Bokova, Director of the UNESCO, was on a business trip to St. Petersburg, and was therefore did not participate in the Days of Dagestan and Derbent.

On the occasion of celebratory events in French capital, the Director-General of UNESCO addressed warmest greetings and wishes to Ramazan Abdulatipov.  
The head of the republic invited Eric Falt to Dagestan as a guest of honor, promising to acquaint him with the diversity of cultural traditions of the peoples of mountains.

"Dagestan is a unique region, where 33 indigenous people and 89 dialects exist. There are more than 6 thousand historical monuments in the republic"- Ramazan Abdulatipov said.

Following the discussion, the parties signed a joint communique in which they identified priority areas for the development of cooperation with the assistance of experts in the field of education, science, culture and humanitarian sectors. The communique also provides the participation of the non-governmental organizations of the Republic of Dagestan in international conferences and seminars under the aegis of UNESCO.

Besides, the agreements envisage the participation of the Republic in implementation of the Global Action Programme on Education for Sustainable Development.

The parties also agreed to promote the participation of research institutes, the institutions of higher education of Dagestan in the international programs of UNESCO in the field of natural sciences.

It was decided to do everything possible to promote the culture of peace and non-violence,  the dialogue of cultures, moral values, human rights and democracy by strengthening the role of human sciences and philosophy, as well as in-depth research of history of the peoples of the Republic of Dagestan, their cultures and traditions, the whole history of the region.

At the end of the business meeting Ramazan Abdulatipov, accompanied by the deputy Director-General of UNESCO Eric Falt and the permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to UNESCO in Paris Eleonora Mitrofanova toured the headquarters of UNESCO.