TEHRAN (IRNA) -- The Research Center of Iran's Cultural Heritage, Handicraft, and Tourism Organization (CHHTO) and the Persian Language Research Center of India's Alighar Muslim University here Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on expansion of educational and cultural cooperation.

According to CHHTO, the document was signed by Iranian center head Taha Hashemi and Indian center chief Azarmidokht Safavi.

Based on the memo, the two sides help upgrade the level of Iran-India cultural relations, establish a library and school of media studies, publish scientific and cultural periodicals, and exchange books, films, and CDs.

Publication of the prominent Persian manuscripts and books as well as research on Iran and India are fields of bilateral cooperation.

Research on the mutual impacts of Indian and Persian languages on each other, exchange of ideas and expertise in the fields of fine arts, architecture and music, scientific cooperation for restoration of ancient monuments as well as protection and revival of manuscripts belonging to the Indian Alighar University have been included in the agreement.

Alighar Muslim University, which is more than a century old, is one of India's most top universities.

The history of the university manifests the determination and will of the continent's Muslims to promote sciences and develop India in cooperation with their Hindu countrymen.

Thousands of Persian manuscripts existing at the library of Alighar University are considered as the Islamic resources of this university and the written heritage of Iran and India.

The cornerstone of Alighar University was laid by Seyed Ahmad Khan in 1875 to introduce the new sciences and English language to Muslims. It was initially called the School of Sciences and was renamed as Alighar University in 1920.

The university is considered as one of the most reputable Islamic academic centers and Muslim’s great scientific and cultural center in India.