PARIS, March 13. /Dunyo IA/. On March 10, online negotiations were held between representatives of Uzbekistan and Culture Sector of the UNESCO Secretariat to discuss cooperation in preserving cultural heritage and combating the illicit trafficking of cultural property, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

According to the Permanent Delegation of Uzbekistan to UNESCO, meeting was attended by representatives of the Art and Culture Development Foundation, the National Commission for UNESCO, Cultural Heritage Agency and Center for Contemporary Art.

UNESCO was represented by Krista Pikkat, Director of the Culture and Emergencies Entity and Secretary of the 1954, 1970, and 2001 Conventions; Sunna Altnoder, Head of the Movable Heritage and Museums Unit (combating illicit trafficking); and Anna Sidorenko, Head of the Cultural Heritage Protection Treaties Section.

During the meeting, Uzbek side provided information on the ongoing work in the country to increase focus on cultural heritage preservation, including the development of museum infrastructure, the restoration of historical sites and the hosting of international exhibitions.

It was also noted that, at the state level, attention is growing toward identifying cultural property related to Uzbekistan located abroad. This includes systematizing information on their origin, history of movement, legal status and storage locations, as well as exploring potential pathways for their return to the country in accordance with international norms and generally accepted practices.

The parties discussed strengthening interaction between relevant state bodies, museums, scientific institutions, expert community and international partners. Particular attention was paid to preventing the illicit export, import, and trafficking of cultural property, as well as measures to enhance the legal and institutional protection of cultural heritage.

The UNESCO representatives noted Uzbekistan's consistent efforts to preserve and promote the country's rich cultural heritage and expressed their readiness to further develop practical cooperation with the Uzbek side.

In particular, the parties discussed opportunities for expert and methodological support, organizing training and consulting events for specialized professionals, exchanging experience, utilizing international convention mechanisms and information resources, as well as expanding professional dialogue on the restitution and protection of cultural property.

During the meeting, the importance of a comprehensive and inter-agency approach to this topic was also emphasized, involving not only cultural and museum structures but also specialists in the fields of law, international cooperation, scientific research and cultural heritage protection. The significance of further strengthening international partnerships aimed at preserving historical and cultural heritage and preventing its illicit movement was noted.

Following the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their mutual interest in continuing a constructive dialogue, expanding practical interaction and further strengthening cooperation between Uzbekistan and UNESCO for the purpose of preserving and protecting cultural heritage.