UNESCO Director in Iraq, Mr. Paolo Fontani, meets with the Director of the Iraqi State Board of Antiquities and Heritage, Dr. Laith Majid Hussein, in the National Museum of Iraq

UNESCO Director in Iraq, Mr. Paolo Fontani, discussed today with the Director of the Iraqi State Board of Antiquities and Heritage, Dr. Laith Majid Hussein, the mechanisms of work and implementation of projects in the archeology and heritage sector.

Mr. Paolo Fontani, noted that “UNESCO has several projects in the antiquities and heritage sector that aim to preserve ancient Iraqi history”. He briefly updated Dr Laith on the progress in the Initiative to Revive the Spirit of Mosul, as well as Unesco engagement for the restauration of Basra Old City and Erbil Citadel.

Dr. Laith affirmed his satisfaction with UNESCO’s readiness to support the State Board of Antiquities and he stressed the importance of a close collaboration.

Mr. Fontani then toured the National Museum of Iraq and viewed the various archaeological exhibits that represent Mesopotamian civilization (Sumerian, Babylonian, Akkadian and Islamic civilizations), Mr. Fontani expressed his great admiration for the exhibits in the Iraqi museum galleries.

The Iraq Museum’s huge collection tells the epic story of human civilization, from the earliest settlements to the rise and fall of vast empires, symbolizing the richness and diversity of Iraqi culture, art and design.