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Lebanese minister hopes for a cultural week in Isfahan
In an interview with IRNA, the Lebanese minister referred to the Iranian Cultural Week held in Beirut, Lebanon’s capital in 2020, expressing optimism for a Lebanese Cultural Week to be organized in Iran, specifically in Isfahan, to introduce the Iranian people to Lebanon’s diverse cultural heritage.
Dubbed “Fajr (dawn) Cultural Days,” the cultural program in 2022 covered several roundtables and symposia, a large exhibition of Iranian handicrafts and artworks, screening of Iranian films and an Iranian music night.
Mortada described the Lebanon-Iran relationship as broad and inclusive, highlighting their shared commitment to values of faith, morality, and opposition to injustice in the region.
The Lebanese official also expressed optimism for cultural cooperation to enhance collaboration in various fields, recognizing Iran’s substantial capabilities in industry, agriculture, and energy, while acknowledging his country’s challenges in these areas.
In response to a question of whether Lebanon is less referred to as the “Bride of the Middle East” these days than in the past, the minister replied, “Despite the current conditions and challenges, Lebanon remains the gem of the Middle East, and nothing will diminish the exceptional beauty of its nature. It continues to shine as a beacon for the world in terms of intellect, culture, and tourism.”
Despite current challenges, as Mortada said, Lebanon remains a jewel for the Middle East, preserving its exceptional natural beauty and serving as a beacon of intellect, culture, and tourism globally.
Lebanon has demonstrated resilience and stability over the years, showcasing its capacity to overcome obstacles, the minister added as he expressed hope for the region’s liberation from the Zionist dominance, envisioning Lebanon reclaiming its position and becoming a model for the world on how people, irrespective of religion, belief, or culture, can coexist with a national spirit of unity.
The Mediterranean country is still suffering a debilitating economic crisis that has gripped the country since 2019.
About 80 percent of the population is below the poverty line and 36 percent is below the “extreme poverty line”, living on less than $2.15 a day.
The Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah fought off two Israeli wars against Lebanon in 2000 and 2006, forcing a humiliating retreat upon the Tel Aviv regime’s military on both occasions.
The illegal entity began waging sporadic attacks against the country following the onset of its ongoing war on the Gaza Strip on October 7, 2023, prompting a firefight with Hezbollah.