Delegation led by the Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Islamic Republic of Iran Ontalap Onalbayev took part in the 6th session of the Governing Council of the Regional Center for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Central and West Asia under the auspices of UNESCO (Center), DKnews.kz reports.
In his speech, Ambassador Onalbayev drew the attention of participants to the importance of the development of bilateral cooperation between Kazakhstan and Iran in the cultural and humanitarian sphere and stressed the relevance of the agreements on the establishment of a Joint Scientific Center for studying Farabi’s legacy reached during the meeting of the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev with the Supreme Leader of Iran ayatollah Ali Khamenei on June 19, 2022.
He also noted that these agreements will contribute to the activation and strengthening of bilateral cultural ties. Taking into account the rich experience in the study, identification and preservation of historical intangible cultural heritage in Central and West Asia, it was noted that it is necessary to continue work and cooperation in this area within the framework of UNESCO missions in our countries and the Tehran Center under the auspices of UNESCO.
Ambassador Onalbayev stated that since 2011, Kazakhstan has been actively cooperating with Iran in the creation and further development of this important Center, located at the intersection of the Great Silk Road. He also noted with satisfaction that the Center’s Action Plan for 2024-2025 includes programs and projects aimed at identifying the use of traditional technologies of nomadic civilization, increasing the importance of local museums and strengthening the role of women in society. In addition, the National Committee of Kazakhstan on Intangible Cultural Heritage informed the participants that it will continue to organize international webinars on topics of interest from the member countries of the Center.
As a result of the meeting, the updated Rules of Procedure of the Center’s Governing Council and the Action Plan for 2024-2025 were adopted, as well as Tajikistan and Turkiye were elected to the Center’s Governing Council.
