FOREIGN SECRETARY JOSE ANTONIO MEADE MEETS WITH UNESCO DIRECTOR-GENERAL IRINA BOKOVA

• UNESCO is a strategic partner for science, education and culture.

• Dr. Bokova is the first woman to hold the position of Director-General.

Foreign Secretary José Antonio Meade hosted a breakfast meeting for Dr. Irina Bokova, Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), who is on a working visit to Mexico from March 13-17.

During his welcoming remarks, Foreign Secretary Meade said that Mexico shares a deep commitment to culture, science and education with UNESCO, and he reiterated the Mexican government's interest in strengthening the ties of friendship and establishing new cooperation projects.

He stressed the importance of expanding Mexico´s interactions with UNESCO to contribute to the educational reforms being undertaken by the Mexican government to ensure a quality education for all Mexicans.

As regards culture, Foreign Secretary Meade reiterated the Mexican government’s interest in continuing to promote the awareness, protection and preservation of cultural values ​​and cultural heritage, and he committed to working together with UNESCO to strengthen the legal mechanisms that help to combat illicit trafficking in cultural property. He also mentioned President Enrique Peña Nieto’s commitment to gradually increase the budget for science and technology.

On Friday, Dr. Bokova will give a talk at the Foreign Ministry on "Education First: A Quality Education for All as an Engine of Economic and Social Development.”

UNESCO was created in 1946 to promote education, science, culture, communication and collaboration among nations, to ensure universal respect for justice, human rights and fundamental freedoms. Mexico is one of the founding countries.

Dr. Bokova will also meet with officials from the Education Ministry, the National Council for Culture and the Arts, the National Institutes of Fine Arts, and Anthropology and History, and with authorities from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM).