Iran-Tunisia To Expand Cultural Ties

Tunis, April 24, IRNA – Iran's Foreign Minister Ali-Akbar Salehi and Tunisian Foreign Minister Rafik Abdessalem stressed expansion of cultural relations between the two countries particularly in the field of art. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Iranian film week at the Ibn Rachik Cultural Center in downtown Tunis, Salehi called the event as an opportunity to develop the cultural relations between the two Muslim nations. “Since the western films propagate corrupt immoral ideals, Iranian films are preferred by Muslims around the world; Tunisia’s revolution is another achievement for such a great civilization; Tunisia revolution is the mother of other ongoing regional revolutions and Tehran welcomes and supports the current democratic government, there.” Speaking at the event, the Tunisian foreign minster called Iran’s Cinema as a progressive one, adding that brilliant Iranian films are the outcome of Iran’s great civilization. “The Islamic culture has connected regional Muslim countries, including Tunisia and Iran; superiority of Iranian nation’s technology as well as its art are proven for the entire nations around the world; Tunisia welcomes the development of relations between the two countries in all fields,” he added. On Monday, an Iranian film week kicked-off at the Ibn Rachik Cultural Center in downtown Tunis. Screenings for the showcased films will continue until Sunday April 29, and were organized by the Tunisian Ministry of Culture and National Heritage Preservation in collaboration with the cultural bureau of the Iranian Embassy. A collection of sixteen movies is going to be screened during the event – including a number of award winning films. In previous years, the Iranian film industry has been well-received internationally. One example is the film A Separation, directed by Asghar Farhadi, which received critical acclaim – winning an Academy Award in February 2012. The week would be devoted to maintaining and bridging cultural relations between Tunisia and Iran. The film week is intended to serve as an opportunity for cultural exchange, and to transcend linguistic barriers and cultural misconceptions. The start of the event coincided with the diplomatic visit of Iranian foreign minister to Tunisia. Salehi conferred latest bilateral and international developments in a meeting with his counterpart on Monday. The Iranian foreign minister stressed the importance of exploitation of Tehran and Tunisia capacities for the interest of both sides. “Iran is ready to transfer its experiments in all fields including the field of law to the Tunisian brothers in the framework of inter-parliamentarian cooperation.” Speaker of the Tunisian Constituent Assembly for his part welcomed the expansion of cooperation between Iran and Tunisia and conferred with Salehi, latest developments on the drafting of Tunisia’s constitution. Iranian foreign minister had also a meeting with Tunisia’s Industries and Trade Minister Mohamed Lamine Shakhari and discussed with him the ways for expansion of economic and trade relations, including making joint investment by Tehran and Tunisia. Tunisia’s Industry and Trade Minister for his part emphasized need for development of relations with Iran. Salehi on Monday also conferred with the Tunisian Prime Minister Hamadi Jebali in Tunis on issues of mutual interest. Both sides exchanged views on ways for expanding the two countries' relations in political, economic and trade ties. They also discussed latest developments in the region and world. The Tunisian Foreign Minister Rafik Abdessalem was also present in the meeting. Tunisian Foreign Minister Rafik Abdessalem said on Monday that expansion of ties with Iran helps Tunisian government and nation during democratic transitional period after the revolution. He made the remarks in a press conference with his Iranian counterpart Ali-Akbar Salehi in Tunis. Expressing honor on behalf of Tunisian government and nation to host the first Iranian high ranking official after their revolution, Abdessalem said that current volume of trade and economic cooperation is unsatisfactory, calling for further expansion of cooperation in different fields. He said that Tunis and Tehran share common stand on different issues such as empowering of the Islamic world and on other regional and international issues. Abdessalam said that he was pleased with holding an Iranian Film Festival in Tunis, calling for further expansion of cultural cooperation between the two countries. Salehi heading a political and parliamentary delegation, arrived here on Monday to hold bilateral talks with senior Tunisian officials. Upon arrival, Salehi was welcomed by the officials of the Tunisian foreign ministry as well as Iran’s new Ambassador to the country Peyman Jebelli./end