Syrian Minister of Education Mohammad Abdulrahman Turko met Monday with UNESCOs Director-General, Dr. Khaled Al-Anani, to discuss ways to enhance cooperation, officials said. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 43rd session of UNESCOs General Conference in Samarkand.

The minister also reviewed prospects for cooperation in education and cultural initiatives.

Al-Anani expressed full support for Syria and praised the Syrian governments efforts to develop its education and cultural sectors, while thanking Syria for its commitment to collaboration.

The 43rd session of UNESCOs General Conference, which began on Oct. 30, includes participation from 194 member states and continues through Nov. 13. It is the first time in nearly 40 years that the General Conference is held outside Paris, reviewing the organizations situation and decisions taken by its executive board.

The UNESCO General Conference, held every two years, serves as the organizations highest legislative body, where member states discuss policies, budgets, and strategic plans for the coming years.

Al-Anani, an Egyptian academic, is the first Arab to hold the position of UNESCO Director-General.

Amer Dhawa