Tehran, Beijing mull expansion of cultural ties in high-level arts meeting
Abdolreza Rahmani-Fazli, Iran’s ambassador to China, met with Zhou Qingfu, president of the National Academy of Arts of China, discussed new pathways for strengthening cultural and artistic collaboration between the two nations.
Rahmani-Fazli highlighted the long-standing cultural ties between Iran and China and called for the implementation of the memorandum of understanding signed last year between the two academies of arts. He stressed that art serves as the “spirit” animating political and economic cooperation, underscoring the need to deepen cultural exchanges.
Addressing global challenges, the ambassador noted that emerging movements with shallow historical roots are attempting to impose Western idealism while eroding Eastern identity and civilization. He expressed confidence that the ancient civilizations of Iran and China, through cooperation, can effectively respond to these trends.
Rahmani-Fazli introduced the initiative “Art Builds Bridges”, proposed by Iran’s Academy of Arts, as a framework for collaboration. The project, aligned with China’s Belt and Road Initiative and the revival of the Silk Road schemes, aims to facilitate artistic exchanges among countries along the route through the establishment of a joint Iran-China secretariat. Planned activities include co-productions in cinema, biennial exhibitions, translation of art books, and webinars showcasing cultural identity.
Zhou also welcomed the proposal, stressing that cultural exchange and civilizational dialogue have always played a vital role in bilateral relations. He praised the “Art Builds Bridges” initiative and affirmed China’s readiness to support efforts that expand cultural and artistic cooperation.
During the meeting, attended by Iran’s cultural attaché in China, both sides discussed translation of classical works into Persian and Chinese, joint academic seminars, exchange of research delegations, specialized exhibitions of academy artists, and collaboration in digital preservation of artistic and historical heritage.