TEHRAN – The director of the National Library and Archives of Iran (NLAI), Seyyed Reza Salehi-Amiri, and the Chinese culture minister, Luo Shugang, have met in Beijing.

The two officials met on Tuesday and held talks on developing cultural ties between Iran and China along with good economic relations between the two countries, the NLAI reported on Wednesday.

“Based on historical experience, the courtiers with deep cultural ties enjoy more stable relations compared to countries whose relations are only based on economics,” Salehi-Amiri said.

“Of course, culture cannot be considered an economic tool and it is a goal in itself, and now is the time for the two great countries to know more of one another,” he asserted.

Salehi-Amiri also proposed organizing joint cultural exhibitions, cultural weeks and meetings of Iranian and Chinese scholars.

The Chinese culture minister also for his part asked for the re-establishment of a joint cultural committee after years of hiatus and stressed that the formation of the committee is quite necessary for the development of cultural relations.

Referring to Salehi-Amiri, the minister said that cultural relations between the two countries are in the beginning stages and, no doubt, the recent meeting would pave the way for increased bilateral cooperation. 

He also said that Chinese people have shown more interest in Iran and its culture in recent years.

Salehi-Amiri arrived in Beijing on Monday at the head of a delegation. He met with State Archives Administration of China Deputy Director Li Minghua and Director of the National Library of China (NLC) Han Yongjin.

He also opened “Beautiful Iran”, an exhibition that showcases the natural beauty, historical sites and wondrous scenery of Iran at NLC. 

Photo: NLAI Director Seyyed Reza Salehi-Amiri (L) and Chinese Culture Minister Luo Shugang meet in Beijing.

RM/YAW
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