IRNA � The Cuban Institute for Friendship with the People (ICAP) in Havana has marked in a ceremony the Iranian New Year, Nowruz.


The event was held Monday evening with the attendance of diplomatic and cultural officials, including Asian, European, Arab and African envoys, the Cuba Muslim society, Iranian residents and those interested in the Iranian culture and civilization.

The event was organized by the Iranian embassy in Cuba's capital and the Cuban Institute for Friendship with the People.

Head of Asian office of ICAP Leima Martinez, addressing the ceremony, referred to Norouz as an ancient fiesta which is celebrated in Iran and other countries.

She also stressed continuation of a durable friendship between Iran and Cuba and expressed hope for such cultural events to help increase knowledge of the Cuban people about Iran's culture and civilization.

Meanwhile, Iranian ambassador to Cuba Kambiz Sheikh Hassani congratulated the Iranian New Year and stressed the importance of Norouz as symbol of life, beauty, unity, peace and friendship among nations.

ICAP is a social organization founded on December 30, 1960 for the purpose of promoting and explaining to the peoples of the world the relations of solidarity that sparked the Cuban Revolution.