UNESCO Director-General Felicitates President On Marghilan's 2000th anniversary

Congratulatory letter of the UNESCO Director-General Koichiro Matsuura addressed to President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov on the occasion of the 2000th anniversary of the city of Marghilan.

Your Excellency,

I should like to extend, o­n behalf of UNESCO and in my own name, my warmest congratulations to You and to the people of Uzbekistan o­n occasion of the 2000th anniversary of the foundation of the city of Marghilan, the celebration of which is taking place this Friday.

This significant event is but o­ne of a long series of encouraging initiatives that Uzbekistan has been undertaking to preserve and promote its rich cultural heritage, which I personally witnessed during my several visits to your beautiful country. Indeed, the UNESCO General Conference, in its Resolution of the 33rd session, recognized the unique place of Marghilan in the history of Central Asia and its important role in promoting peace and intercultural dialogue along the Great Silk Road throughout centuries, and called upon the international community to join you in the commemoration of this historic city.

I am pleased to learn that the celebration of Marghilan is taking place just o­ne week after the 16th anniversary of the Independence of Uzbekistan. Allow me therefore take this opportunity to convey to you my sincere congratulations o­n this occasion and extend my best wishes to the Uzbek people for every success in safeguarding and promoting their cultural heritage and traditions.

Please accept, Your Excellency Mr. President, the assurances of my highest consideration and respect.

Koichiro Matsuura,
the Director-General of UNESCO
Paris, 7 September 2007.