Experience of Russian restorers could be used in restoration of damaged monuments in Syria, Turkey - Russian special presidential envoy

MOSCOW. March 2 (Interfax) - Russia will hold consultations with Syrian and Turkish counterparts on the restoration of damaged cultural heritage sites in Syria and Turkey, Russian Special Presidential Representative for International Cultural Cooperation Mikhail Shvydkoi said.

"I think we will currently hold consultations with Turkish and Syrian colleagues to understand what the needs will be there. But it is crystal clear that the experience of Russian restorers is great and, I think, it will be used," Shvydkoi told reporters on Thursday, in response to a question from Interfax.

At the same time, he noted that the issue related to the restoration of the damaged monuments is very complicated, as for now there is only information coming from local counterparts, and there are no Russian expeditions there.

The historical Gaziantep Fortress in Turkey and the Citadel of Aleppo in Syria were damaged in the devastating earthquake in February. According to Turkish media, the fortress, which is a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization World Heritage Site, was partially destroyed. The Citadel of Aleppo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was also damaged.