Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Receives UNESCO Director General to Discuss Support for Cultural and Heritage Projects in Iraq

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mr. Fuad Hussein received the Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization UNESCO Ms. Audrey Azoulay, and her accompanying delegation, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Baghdad, on 4 February 2025.
The meeting discussed aspects of joint cooperation especially UNESCO’s support for Iraqi relevant institutions to the organization’s activities, the Minister commended UNESCO’s efforts in Iraq and its effective role in rebuilding archaeological and religious sites in Mosul, such as the Al Habda minaret, and Al Nuri Mosque, which were destroyed by the attacks of Da’esh terrorist organization. As well the two sides touched on the ongoing projects in the city of Mosul, which have reached their final stages.
On her part, Ms. Azoulay affirmed UNESCO’s openness towards enhancing cooperation with Iraq in the cultural, scientific and heritage areas, pointing to the variety of projects that include the rehabilitation of damaged archaeological sites, the development of curricula, and human capacity building, in addition to urban development projects in several Iraqi cities, such as Mosul, Nasiriyah and Erbil.
On his part, Minister Hussein reiterated the Foreign Ministry’s commitment to providing the necessary support to the organization’s activities, which contributes to preserving Iraqi heritage and enhancing its role in sustainable development.
It is worth noting that this is Ms. Azoulay’s second visit to Iraq, as she will head to the city of Mosul, before ending her tour in Erbil, which hosts the ancient citadel listed on the World Heritage List.
