TEHRAN -- The National Library of the Philippines (NLP) and the Iran National Library and Archive (INLA) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) here Tuesday morning.

INLA director Ali-Akbar Ash’ari expressed hopes that this agreement will enhance bilateral ties between both libraries.
NLP director Prudenciana Cruz also said that this is not simply the beginning of a relationship between both libraries but rather will help increase existing cultural ties.
She expressed her appreciation on establishing the groundwork for such cultural activities and said the National Library of the Philippines provides cultural services to Iranians residing in the Philippines.
To the question asked if NLP publishes any Iranian best-selling books, she replied, “This is the responsibility of Iran’s embassy, but Iranian books are available on the internet.”
Afterwards, she presented some gifts to Ash’ari on the occasion of the 200th anniversary of the establishment of the National Library of the Philippines.
Based on the MOU, both parties are to exchange books, periodicals, microfilms of the rare manuscripts, and current information.
Holding seminars and establishing departments for studies of the history of Iran and the Philippines in both libraries were also discussed.