[caption id="attachment_74552" align="alignright" width="239"] Flags of Iran & Turkmenistan[/caption]

Tehran, March 9, IRNA – Turkmen Foreign Minister Rasit Meredow said on Monday that culture has been playing a very significant role in consolidation of economic and political relations between Iran and Turkmenistan as is evident from their common culture and customs.

Speaking to Head of Iran Culture and Communications Organization Abuzar Ebrahimi Torkaman in Ashkabad on Monday, Meredow said holding of Iran's cultural days in Turkmenistan will be effective in expanding mutual cultural relations.


He said Turkmen cabinet has issued a directive for preparation of conditions for holding Iranian cultural days, that is a cultural event and the programs adopted to that end have been implemented in a favorable manner.

The Turkmen official said cultural relations serve as basis for international relations and termed the Iranian official's visit to Turkmenistan as positive and effective.

He noted, 'Annually a Turkmen delegation head for the tomb of Makhtoumgholi Faraghi; we should respect such common programs so that such activities are carried out in an atmosphere of friendship and brotherhood. As an example, reference can be made to ceremonies marking birthday of the 8th Imam of Prophet's Infallible household, Imam Reza (AS), in Merv; also ceremonies were held jointly in commemoration of the poet Zamakhshari, showing brotherhood and friendship between the two states.'

By IRNA