The Deputy Minister of Arts and Culture met with officials from UNAMA and the European Union

Moulavi Atiqullah Azizi, the Deputy Minister of Art and Culture of the Ministry of Information and Culture, held a meeting with Roza Otunbayeva, the head of the United Nations Political Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), and officials from the European Union, UNICEF, and UNESCO.
During the meeting, Mr. Azizi discussed the activities of the Department of Public Libraries and Arts in Afghanistan. He emphasized the neglect of the public library and art school departments in the past 20 years. Despite having over 90 branches across the country, the public library currently serves hundreds of people daily, which is insufficient.
Mr. Azizi requested UNMA's assistance in constructing public libraries, digital systems, and mobile book rooms in the provinces and districts. Roza Otunbayeva, the head of UNAMA, emphasized the importance of literacy in Afghanistan and expressed concern that over 5 million children still lack access to education. She also mentioned the collaborative efforts with the Department of Literacy, Public Libraries, and Arts, including a national book reading campaign.
Mr. Azizi discussed the protection and preservation of Afghanistan's historical sites and cultural areas, addressing issues such as preventing the smuggling of historical relics and illegal excavations. He urged the international community to contribute to the restoration, maintenance, and training of employees related to Afghanistan's historical sites.
 
1446/4/17
1403/7/29