Talks with Egypt, Greece and Azerbaijan in Spain
Tehran, Cairo plan major cultural exchange on manuscripts, literature
Iran’s Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance, Abbas Salehi, outlined plans for enhanced cultural cooperation with Egypt focused on Islamic manuscripts and literary translation during a meeting with Egyptian Minister of Culture Ahmed Fouad Hanno at the UNESCO World Conference on Cultural Policies (MONDIACULT 2025) in Barcelona, Spain.
Salehi highlighted the vast collection of Islamic manuscripts in Iran, spanning heritage from various Muslim nations, and proposed joint projects for preservation, study, and exhibition, IRNA reported. “The 1,500th anniversary of the Prophet Muhammad’s birth offers an unprecedented opportunity for cultural collaboration,” he said.
The ministers also discussed translating contemporary Egyptian and Iranian works, including poetry and novels, to strengthen cross-cultural understanding.
UNESCO cooperation, media initiatives
The meeting further explored leveraging UNESCO platforms to safeguard tangible and intangible heritage shared by the two nations.
Hanno welcomed the initiatives, noting Egypt’s own significant manuscript collections and the potential to host exhibitions of Iranian works.
Both ministers agreed on expanding media cooperation and participation in each other’s cultural festivals to promote mutual understanding and visibility of shared heritage.
Iran, Greece heritage reignited
Salehi met Greek Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni to discuss the historical and cultural ties between Iran and Greece.
“Culture is the driving force of nations’ growth,” Salehi said, highlighting opportunities for collaboration.
Key proposals included joint cinema projects, academic exchanges, and literary initiatives such as poetry sessions and critical publications on contemporary and classical literature.
The ministers also explored cooperative measures to combat illicit trafficking of cultural artifacts, safeguard historical sites from climate impacts, and promote handicrafts.
Regional cultural diplomacy
In discussions with Azerbaijani Minister of Culture Adil Karimli, Salehi emphasized activating cultural centers and organizing cultural weeks to strengthen bilateral engagement. “As neighbors, we can achieve remarkable results in economic, political, and cultural areas,” he said.
The two ministers covered the finalization of a film cooperation agreement and media collaboration to enhance the portrayal of both nations. Cinema, tangible and intangible heritage, and participation in international cultural organizations and festivals were also prioritized for joint action.
Barcelona hub for regional culture
Salehi’s engagements during MONDIACULT 2025 reflect Iran’s strategic approach to cultural diplomacy. By focusing on heritage preservation, literary translation, cinema, and academic exchange, Iran aims to foster deeper regional ties. The discussions with Egypt, Greece, and Azerbaijan demonstrate a multifaceted approach, combining centuries-old civilizational connections with contemporary cultural collaboration.
The minister’s proposals are expected to lead to formal agreements and programs that will extend Iran’s cultural influence, support heritage preservation, and provide platforms for collaborative creativity across literature, cinema, and the arts.