TEHRAN- The Iranian Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, Seyyed Reza Salehi-Amiri, met with Greeces Minister of Culture, Lina Mendoni, on Tuesday throughout his visit to Armenia for the 8th Ministerial Meeting of the Ancient Civilizations Forum.During the conference, Salehi-Amiri highlighted the crucial role of culture in reinforcing bilateral relations, CHTN reported.
There is no much better opportunity than cultural engagement for improving and establishing relations between governments.
Iran and Greece can improve their partnership in cultural domains, notably in specialized fields such as research study, historical explorations, and the preservation and restoration of historic artifacts, he remarked.He highlighted that cultivating interaction between the research institutes of the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts and scientific and research centers in Greece and other countries would not only assist in clinical growth however also produce paths for enhanced relations and cooperations, particularly in promoting tourism.He further kept in mind that organizing joint cultural weeks in Tehran and Athens might play a crucial function in showcasing cultural values and enhancing good understanding in between the countries.
Currently, a similar cooperation is ongoing with China, where 80,000 visitors daily explore Irans historical sites, he added.He also highlighted the abundant historic and cultural heritage of the country, mentioning special Iranian artifacts, including the renowned civilization of Jiroft in Kerman province, and extended an invitation to the Greek Minister to check out these websites and talk about future agreements.Salehi-Amiri called for a severe battle versus the trafficking and sale of historic artifacts, worrying, An important point I will emphasize during the conference is the cooperation amongst member countries to combat the illegal trade of historic properties.
These artifacts have distinct qualities and authenticity, and it is possible to prevent their smuggling through cumulative efforts.
In another part of his remarks, he asserted, In the realm of handicrafts, Iran has much to contribute.
Out of 400 kinds of handicrafts produced globally, 299 are being crafted in Iran.
If Greece provides support, we are ready to hold an exhibition of Iranian handicrafts and handcrafted carpets in Athens, which would not just bring our artists more detailed but likewise cultivate a significant improvement in relations in between our two nations.
For her part, Mendoni expressed her delight at the assembling, mentioning, I concur with you on all the matters gone over.
The trafficking of historic artifacts is a problem that all countries must address with coordinated and principled policies.
She continued, Iran is a nation that brings in the unique interest of people worldwide.
With its ancient history and unrivaled civilization, the people of Greece are likewise excited to travel there.
Mendoni viewed partnership in the handicrafts sector with Iran as a positive development, specifying, Leveraging Irans knowledge in carpets and native handicrafts has actually brought our individuals closer and guarantees economic success for traders and artisans alike.
She likewise related to the shared cultural and civilizational heritage of the two nations as a favorable background for cooperation and required the signing of memoranda of understanding in various fields.The Ancient Civilizations Forum, established in 2017, is comprised of ten nations: Iran, Armenia, Italy, Bolivia, Peru, China, Iraq, Egypt, Mexico, and Greece.In 2023, Iran presumed the presidency and hosting obligations for the Forum.
In previous meetings, the Islamic Republic proposed measures to combat the trafficking of cultural heritage and advocated for the return of stolen and looted historical artifacts.SAB/