TEHRAN - The 13th Almaty International Music Festival opened at the Culture Palace of Almaty, Kazakhstan here on Friday with the attendance of many artists from several countries.

The mayor of Almaty also attended the opening ceremony and said that the festival aims to encourage the talented youth of different countries, adding that it plays an important role in bringing different nations closer together.

Musicians from 13 countries in Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Africa are competing in the festival.

The members of the jury are from China, Turkey, Russia, and India.

The Almaty Municipality and artistic institutes from different countries are sponsoring the festival.

The festival continues until August 5.