Azerbaijan, Iran ready to expand cultural coop.

Tehran, IRNA – An Iranian official has underscored the need for collaboration between the Azerbaijan Republic and the Islamic Republic of Iran to expand cultural relations and cooperation. Director of Iran's Islamic Culture and Relations Organization (ICRO) Mohammad-Mehdi Imanipur made the remarks in a meeting with Minister of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan Anar Karimov, noting that the two neighboring countries enjoy appropriate capacities and long-term diplomatic ties, which can pave the way for opening new chapter of interactions. Iran-Azerbaijan relations are not limited to ties between two neighboring states, but the two nations have close relationship and respect each other’s culture, the Iranian official noted. The member of Iran’s Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution went on to say that the current level of ties is not acceptable, expressing hope that improvement of cultural relationship can help both countries bolster their cooperation in other sectors. Joint efforts by Baku and Tehran can play key role in development of bilateral relations and consolidate the existing level of ties, he argued. According to the Iranian official, Azerbaijan Republic and Islamic Republic of Iran need to hold yearly cultural ceremonies in order to deepen long-term friendship and partnership. Imanipur also referred to participation of Azerbaijan Republic in Tehran’s International Book Fair, saying that authorities of both countries can pave the ground for holding joint cultural festivals especially in handicrafts, theater, movies, documentaries, Islamic arts and calligraphy. Cultural dialogue between elite of Azerbaijan and Iran can help display a realistic image of both countries in particular in cultural and artistic issues, the head of the Islamic Culture and Relations Organization mentioned. Fortunately, the 15th joint cultural commission of Azerbaijan and Iran approved creation of a specialized committee for cultural coordination, he said, emphasizing that the committee is expected to pursue joint ventures seriously. Moreover, he proposed for designating Baku and Tehran as sister cities, arguing that the move can pave the way for increasing cooperation between the two cities especially in cultural affairs. Imanipur further expressed hope that the Azerbaijani minister’s trip to Iran can improve bilateral cultural relations and collaborations. For his part, Karimov described Iran-Azerbaijan diplomatic ties as very important, underlining the need for expansion of cultural interactions. Iran and Azerbaijan have ancient history and good neighborliness, which help the two nations pursue brotherly and friendly ties, the minster said, adding that the civilizational ground should promote more efforts to develop the cultural relationship. He also underlined that Azerbaijan is ready to expand cultural and artistic cooperation with Iran, expressing satisfaction with Iranians’ cultural activities in Baku. Establishment of Azerbaijan’s cultural center in Iran can help display a real image of Azerbaijani culture and civilization and improve cultural ties, he added. The Azerbaijani minister, who arrived in Tehran before noon, was welcomed by Imanipur and some other diplomatic and cultural officials. Upon his arrival, Karimov paid a visit to Imam Khomeini’s mausoleum in order to pay tribute to the late founder of the Islamic Revolution of Iran. Iran’s Ambassador to Baku Ali Alizadeh participated in the meeting with the Azerbaijani minister, saying that Tehran is pursuing expansion of ties with Baku in all fields of cooperation, including political and economic relations. Follow us on Twitter @IrnaEnglish