The delegations participating in the 9th Ministerial Meeting of the Forum of Ancient Civilizations, were welcomed by the Greek Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni.
The representatives of the countries were given a tour of the Gallery by the General Director Syrago Tsiara and had the opportunity to enjoy songs by the Children's Choir of the National Opera.
The Athens Meeting was attended by the member states of the Forum, represented at a high level by the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities of Egypt Sherif Fathy; the Minister of Culture and Tourism of the People's Republic of China; the Minister of Culture of Italy; the Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts of Iran; the Minister of Culture, Tourism and Antiquities of the Republic of Iraq; the Deputy Minister of Culture of the Republic of Cyprus; the Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia; the Director General of Cultural Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Peru; as well as the Ambassador of the Plurinational State of Bolivia.
Cyprus, Mexico and India are participating with observer status.
The meetings focus on two main thematic areas set by the Greek Ministry of Culture: Tackling the climate crisis and its impacts on cultural heritage and combating the illicit trafficking of cultural goods.
The Athens Declaration is expected to be adopted as part of the discussions, which will further strengthen international cooperation for the protection, promotion and enhancement of world cultural heritage, reaffirming the commitment of the participating states to promoting dialogue and mutual understanding.
According to Mendoni, the organization of the 9th Ministerial Meeting of the Countries of Ancient Civilizations, in Athens, by the Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirms Greece's active role in promoting intercultural dialogue and international cooperation for the protection of ancient civilizations and cultural heritage at a global level.
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