RA Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Zhanna Andreasyan received the delegation of the South Caucasus Agency for the French Development Fund (AFD).

ESCS Deputy Minister Alfred Kocharyan and Secretary General Hasmik Hakobyan also attended the meeting.

The meeting covered the possibilities of cooperation in the field of preservation and restoration of cultural heritage.

Extending a warm reception to the partners, ESCS Minister Zhanna Andreasyan presented the policy of the RA Government aimed at the proper preservation, popularization and advancement of historical and cultural monuments as a key component of the state's economic development. She emphasized that the restoration of monuments is fixed as a priority in the strategy of preservation, advancement and popularization of the culture of the Republic of Armenia, and in recent years state funding in this direction has significantly increased. The Minister stated that the main objective is to turn monuments into important sites for social development.

In this regard, the project for the restoration of the “Capital Artashat” archeological site and the possibility of cooperation were discussed with the representatives of the South Caucasus Agency for the French Development Fund (AFD).

“The restoration of the “Capital Artashat” is of particular significance to us and is an essential part of the world's cultural heritage due to its historical value. We aim to frame a development concept with partners and turn the city into a vibrant tourist hub,” stated the ESCS Minister, outlining the willingness for cooperation in this direction.

The delegation members also emphasized the opportunities for collaboration in the restoration of the ancient site known as the “Capital Artashat” and confirmed their willingness to discuss further actions.

During the meeting, the parties addressed several work-related issues.