Mr Putin informed Ms Bokova about the successful completion of military operations to liberate the city of Palmyra, one of the treasures of world cultural heritage. The operations were carried out by the Syrian Armed Forces with effective support from Russia’s Aerospace Forces. Russia’s Defence Ministry will provide all possible help to Syria in mine-clearing operations in the liberated areas. Mr Putin said he hopes that despite the barbaric looting the ISIS terrorists have carried out in the area, coordinated efforts by the international community will successfully restore this invaluable part of world heritage.
Ms Bokova said that Palmyra’s liberation has huge importance for world culture. She said that UNESCO will start examining options for restoring and preserving the ancient town’s monuments and hopes, in particular, for close cooperation with Russia’s State Hermitage Museum.