Tehran, Oct 9, IRNA Chairman of Expediency Council (EC) said that cultural differences between countries are natural, adding that by relying on commonalities there would be plenty of grounds for wide cooperation with all countries except one.
According to the report of EC's Public Relations Office on Wednesday, Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, in a meeting with Secretary of State for Culture of Portugal called the issue of culture sensitive for peole and governments.
Referring to positive and negative records in Iran-Portugal relations, Rafsanjani said that our policy is expansion of cultural ties with all countries.
Saying that he is familiar with history of Portugal, Rafsanjani added there is no obstacle in the way of expansion of ties between the two countries, if officials could be patient in negotiations.
Rafsanjani expressed hope that the visit could be a prelude for expansion of relations in the future, which is necessary for interaction in diplomatic affairs.
Secretary of State for Cultural of Portugal, for his part, underlined capacities for expansion of cultural ties between the two countries and added that for strengthening political ties we are in a sensitive situation and we should find appropriate tactics to exchange our stances.
Jorge Barreto Xavier, by referring to desire of both countries officials to strengthen relations, said that we should use experiences of valuable characters like your Excellency, who has valuable works in cultural, political and economic affairs.
Underlining arrogant nature of certain world powers, Xavier said that upon their nature, there is malice toward Iran, while Iran has a bright record in history.