TEHRAN –- Turkey is eager to extend cultural ties with Iran, Ismet Yilmaz the country’s Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism told IRNA on the sidelines of an exhibit by Iranian artists in Ankara, IRNA reported on Monday.

He went on to say that there are strong cultural affinities between Iran and Turkey.
Although the two countries’ cultures differ on some points, they are inseparable with regards to their common admiration of the poets Rumi, Sadi and Shams, he mentioned.
Having more than one million Iranian tourists, Yilmaz emphasized the importance of the tourist industry.
Iran’s cultural attaché in Ankara is holding an exhibit of artworks and cultural productions by Iranian artists from February 9 to 15.
Over 1000 photos, paintings and calligraphy works will be showcased at the exhibit which is being held to celebrate the anniversary of the victory of the Iranian Islamic Revolution.