Iran keen to establish permanent cultural center in Doha

TEHRAN,Dec.14 (MNA) -- Iranian Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance Mohammad Hosseini met with his counterpart in Doha where he stressed that Iran is ready to establish a permanent center in Doha to present cultural products. Hosseini who is currently visiting the 22nd Doha International Book Fair met with Qatar’s Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage Hamad Bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari, and talked about bilateral cultural ties. Iranian publishers are participating in the 22nd Doha International Book Fair, which opened December 12 at the Doha Exhibitions Center. The wide variety of Iranian cultural products including books, films, animations and computer games are the best means to expand cultural relations with the regional countries, Hosseini said. He said that the major policy of Iran is to develop ties with its neighbors, especially the Muslim countries. “Iran is holding several Fajr festivals of films, theater, music, poetry and visual arts every year, which provide a good opportunity for artists from the Islamic countries to exchange views,” Hosseini said. Minister Al Kuwari also called Iran a country which plays a major role in the region and that his country is willing to develop ties with Iran. Iran is participating actively this year as the guest of honor with several conferences. Over 450 publishing houses from 24 countries are displaying their products at the fair which will run until December 22. Iran has also arranged workshops during the fair, in which Persian arts of illumination, calligraphy and visual arts are being taught.