The Georgian President expressed his wish that the close cooperation in place between his country and the Organization in the fields of culture and preservation of heritage continue and be strengthened. He highlighted the importance of Georgian cultural heritage and the crucial role UNESCO plays in this field and welcomed the news that UNESCO has agreed to associate itself with events organized to commemorate 2000 years of Christianity in Georgia (2004-2005).

The Director-General expressed his great satisfaction that the meeting symbolized the regard Georgia has for UNESCO. Whether in the preservation of its tangible or intangible cultural heritage, “Georgia can count on UNESCO” stated the Director-General. The Proclamation in 2001 of Georgian Polyphonic Singing as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity illustrates the richness of the cultural heritage of the country. Mr Matsuura also invited the Georgian President to continue participating in sub-regional initiatives in favour of the Dialogue Among Civilizations, which is a priority programme UNESCO.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Tedo Djaparidze, and the new Ambassador, Permanent Delegate of Georgia to UNESCO, Ms Lana Gogoberidze, also attended the meeting.

President Saakashvili invited Mr Matsuura to undertake a new visit to his country and the Director-General accepted the invitation.