INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
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/