TEHRAN The Syrian Minister of Culture Ms. Najah al-Attar in Damascus Sunday night said that Iran and Syria enjoy excellent cultural relations. Speaking to IRNA before her departure for Tehran, Attar adding that in light of many commonalties between Iran and Syria, the two countries' cooperation in the field of culture would be highly fruitful. The Western cultural invasion can never overcome the Islamic culture, heritage and identity, she stressed.

Attar expressed confidence that the Iranian youth, remaining devoted to divine teachings, would strive for cultural, social and economic development of the country, thus setting an example for the youth elsewhere in the Muslim world. The Syrian official's visit to Tehran will include meetings with the Iranian Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance Ataollah Mohajerani, aimed at promoting cultural cooperation betwen the two countries.

Stating that she would visit the mausoleum of the late Imam Khomeini during her visit to Iran, Attar expressed regret that she never met the Founder of the Islamic Republic ``who shook the foundations of oppression in the world.'' In praise of the Iranian President Mohammad Khatami, Attar said, ``I believe that he is one of the very few thinkers, politicians and faithful personalities who besides being on top of the world issues, is fully devoted to the issues of the world of Islam.'' The Syrian official had previously met with Khatami during his visit of Syria prior to the presidential elections in Iran. The Syrian culture minister expressed regret at the normalization of cultural ties between some Arab and Islamic states and the Zionist regime, adding ``through solidarity and common measures, we should resist these relations.'' Attar's one-week visit to Iran will also take him to holy cities of Mashhad and Qom as well as ancient Shiraz and Isfahan. She would also attend the inauguration ceremony of the 11th International Book Fair in the Iranian capital on May 20.

(IRNA)