Pakistan’s culture minister terms Iran’s cinema as pioneering in world

Shiraz, IRNA – Pakistan’s Minister for National Heritage and Culture, Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, has described Iran's cinema as one of the world's most pioneering film industries.

Addressing the international film cooperation meeting in Shiraz, southern Iran, Khichi expressed gratitude to his Iranian counterpart’s hospitality during the Fajr International Film Festival.

Iran and Pakistan have historical, and friendly relations with each other, he added.

Iran was the first country to recognize Pakistan’s independence on August 14, 1947, he stated.

Similarly, Pakistan was also the first country to recognize the Islamic Revolution of Iran led by the great Imam Khomeini, he noted.

The two countries share more than 805 kilometers of common border and enjoy common traditions, history, and culture, Khichi said.

The friendship between Iran and Pakistan has been tested repeatedly over time; whether in the 1965 and 1971 wars between Pakistan and India, or in the imposed war by Iraq against Iran, he reiterated.

During all these periods, the people and governments of both countries stood by each other without any fear, he added.

During the 12-day war that was illegally imposed by the Israeli regime against Iran, the government and people of Pakistan stood by the great nation of Iran, he stressed.

In support of Iran, resolutions were passed in Pakistan's National Assembly, Senate, and provincial assemblies.

Aurangzeb Khan Khichi arrived in the southwestern Iranian city of Shiraz on Monday to participate in the 43rd Fajr International Film Festival (FIFF).

He attended an international film cooperation meeting with the presence of cultural officials, ministers, as well as heads and representatives of film industries from 15 countries, which will be chaired by Iranian Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance Abbas Salehi.

The Fajr International Film Festival, which was kicked off on November 26 at the Honar-Shahr-e Aftab Complex in Shiraz, will be concluded on Tuesday evening.

The FIFF is considered one of the world’s major film events, drawing personalities active in the fields of culture, art, media, and the cinema industry from around the globe. This year, some 200 foreign guests are in attendance.

A Pakistani film delegation is also taking part for the first time in the 43rd Fajr Film Festival.