TEHRAN Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance Ataollah Mohajerani returned to Tehran at the end of his week-long trip which took him to Syria and Lebanon, respectively. He told IRNA before departure from Beirut on Monday evening that Lebanese officials are willing to promote relations with Iran at all levels and in all fields. Lebanese political and religious personalities share common viewpoints and stands with the Islamic Republic on many international and regional issues, said Mohajerani who paid a four-day visit to Beirut starting Friday. He further termed his talks in Lebanon as positive and fruitful saying the trip was aimed at promoting Tehran-Beirut cultural relations for which the two countries signed a letter of understanding on media and publicity cooperation.

The two sides also worked out a draft on bilateral tourism cooperation and reviewed Tehran-Beirut cooperation in cultural fields which covers films, cultural heritage, theater, visual arts and music. Mohajerani met with Lebanese President Elias Hrawi, Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri and speaker of parliament during his stay in Lebanon. He also held talks with Lebanon's Mufti Mohammad Rashid Qabani, religious leader of Maronite Christians Cardinal Nasrollah Safir, President of the Supreme Assembly of the Shiite Muslims Sheikh Mohammad Mehdi Shamseddin, leader of Druze Muslims Behjat Gheith and Secretary General of Lebanese Hizbullah Hassan Nasrollah as well as Allama Mohammad Hussein Fadhllolah. In Syria, Mohajerani discussed promotion of cultural and publicity relations with senior Syrian officials.

(IRNA)