Minister: Cultural weeks invaluable opportunity to strengthen bilateral ties
Iranian Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance, Abbas Salehi, said that holding cultural weeks is an invaluable opportunity to strengthen bilateral interactions.
He made the remarks during the opening of the Qatar Cultural Week initiative, where he stressed the potential of mutual cultural events to enhance understanding and collaboration between the two nations, IRNA reported.
The Qatar Cultural Week, runs from February 26 to 28.
“The cultural relations between our two countries are rooted in brotherhood and friendship,” Salehi stated, expressing hope that this event would serve as a turning point for cultural cooperation.
The Qatar Cultural Week, featuring over 100 Iranian artists and athletes, is showcasing Iranian culture, art, and traditions across more than 30 disciplines, further enriching the cultural landscape of the region.
Salehi underscored the importance of reciprocal cultural weeks, particularly in light of the significant cultural activities held in Doha in the past year.
Such events, he argued, play a crucial role in the context of Islamic countries and the broader region.
He called for the signing of a memorandum for the sister-city relationship between museums in Iran and Qatar, emphasizing the need for a practical program to advance various aspects of cultural collaboration, including cinematic partnerships, artist exchanges, and shared exhibitions.
Moreover, Salehi expressed his desire for the Qatar Cultural Week to be held in Iran soon, hoping it would mirror the success of the previous Iranian cultural showcase in Doha.
He extended an invitation to the Qatari cultural leaders to visit Iran and explore its rich cultural offerings, advocating for research initiatives alongside operational activities to better understand the cultural capacities of both nations.
As a focal point of this cultural dialogue, Salehi spotlighted the Iranian film industry, noting the high caliber of its directors, producers, and actors who have made a significant impact both regionally and globally. This acknowledgment underscores the importance of cinema as a pivotal aspect of Iran’s cultural identity.
During his visit to Qatar, Salehi also toured the Sheikh Faisal Museum, where he reiterated the necessity of enhancing cultural interactions between the two countries. He noted that developing museum collaborations and organizing joint exhibitions are vital for fostering deeper cultural connections.