TEHRAN -- Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance Ahmad Masjed-Jamei said on Tuesday that revival of ancient civilizations of Iran and Belarus is of very high importance, reported IRNA.

Speaking in the inauguration ceremony of Belarus Cultural Week, he said that revival of Persian calligraphy in Belarussian libraries help deepen and broaden cultural ties between the two countries. A number of prominent artists and cultural figures were present in the ceremony at Vahdat Hall.

Highlighting the very close cooperation between the two sides, artists and art-lovers, he said holding the event plays significant role in history and literature in the region and the world. He expressed the hope that the cultural week would help broaden all-out communications such as dialogue among civilizations and cultures.

"The task is beyond the capabilities of governments and the role of intellectuals in promoting atmosphere of peace and friendship round the globe is vital. The first Belarussian Cultural Week prepares ground for expansion of cultural cooperation and restoration of global peace," he said. Head of Islamic Culture and Relations Organization Mahmoud Mohammadi Araqi who had attended the opening ceremony said that such cultural activities help widen capabilities and horizons for a broader cultural cooperation between the two states, "Culture and dialogue are regarded as the best means in connecting nations as well as broadening cultural ties round the globe. We are now witnessing expansion of technology round the globe and the future world would be world of science, culture and arts."

The Belarussian culture minister, for his part, underlined deepening of bilateral relations, and said that such event would be a very good test for our artists. In conclusion, he called on the Iranian cultural officials to hold Iran's cultural week in Belarus.