IFP- �By imposing sanctions on Iran, the West has deprived itself of this country�s rich culture for 37 years,� said Margarita Popova, the Vice President of the Republic of Bulgaria.

She made the remarks in a meeting with Abbas Khamehyar, the International Deputy of Culture and Islamic Communications Organisation, who recently visited Bulgaria.

According to a report by Mehr, Popova added added �the West has missed the chance of exchanging cultural values during these years, which is an extensive damage to Western people.�

�I believe that benefiting from Iran and Bulgaria�s great cultural and scientific capacities is the best and fastest way to form relationships between the two countries and to compensate for wasted time,� she said.

�In my opinion, by being involved in culture and mutual cultural values, both countries will benefit from a higher security. The security is a top issue in today�s world; therefore, the mutual projects gain more value,� Popova noted.

�I believe that we should know different cultures and make them communicate. We should accept and understand them to make the security more attainable,� Popova went on to say.

The Vice President of the Republic of Bulgaria also talked about her wish to travel to Iran and said, �I�m willing to meet Iranian cultured women.�