Iran, China ink cooperation agreement in archaeology, heritage preservation
The Research Institute of Cultural Heritage & Tourism (RICHT) and the Shanghai Museum in China signed a cooperation agreement to promote archaeological studies and heritage preservation between the two countries.
According ILNA, the agreement was signed during a visit by Mostafa Dehpahlavan, the head of RICHT, to China, where he and his delegation toured various sections of the Shanghai Museum, ISNA reported.
The agreement aims to develop bilateral scientific and cultural relations in the field of cultural heritage between Iran and China.
The agreement covers several areas of cooperation, including “archaeology and interdisciplinary studies”, “archaeological survey, conservation, and restoration of historical sites”, “historical research, including archival and library studies”, “epigraphic studies”, and “research on the history of arts and traditional arts with a focus on comparative studies”.
The agreement was signed by Mostafa Dehpahlavan, head of RICHT, and Chu Xiaobo, director of the Shanghai Museum.
During the signing ceremony, Xiaobo welcomed the Iranian delegation and referred to the successful exhibition of the National Museum of Iran at the Shanghai Museum, which was well-received by the Chinese people.
Xiaobo emphasized that the Shanghai Museum and the Iranian Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts have extensive relations, and this agreement is important for enhancing archaeological studies and heritage preservation between the two countries.
He also highlighted the shared heritage of China and Iran, citing the discovery of artifacts from the Siraf port.
The director of the Shanghai Museum also mentioned the museum’s expertise in archaeological excavations in other regions, such as Sri Lanka, and noted that the agreement with RICHT will lead to more extensive scientific research and cultural exchange along the Silk Road, as well as the preservation of its cultural heritage.
Dehpahlavan expressed hope that the agreement will lead to the launch of a joint archaeological study of the Siraf port, a significant cultural center related to Iranian and Chinese cultures from the Sassanian to the Islamic periods.
He also emphasized that the agreement will be a continuous and ongoing operational program between the two institutions.