TEHRAN -- Uzbek poet and translator Aref Othman called the idea of 'dialogue among civilizations' a significant means for saving nations' cultures in this critical time.

He also referred to President Seyed Mohammad Khatami's initiative, presented to the world through the forum of the United Nations, as a step toward maintaining peace and stability in societies and protecting them from wars and violence.

Othman said that the idea is based on the ideas of great Iranian poets such as Mowlavi, Hafiz and Jami.

He also expressed hope that President Khatami's visit to Uzbekistan in May will contribute to the development of cultural relations.

He said that President Khatami was the promoter of peace and brotherhood between nations, in opposition to the Western idea of clash of civilizations.

Othman said that the publication of the works of contemporary Iranian and Uzbek poets and writers in both countries can help introduce the great Iranian and Uzbek nations to their great common culture.

Othman expressed his appreciation of the participation of Iranian women in the field of literature and paid homage to great Iranian female poets such as Parvin Etesami.