Iraqi Minister of Culture, Tourism and Antiquities Hassan Nazim underscored that expansion of cultural relationship with the Islamic Republic of Iran is of great importance to Iraq.

Upon his arrival in Tehran, the Iraqi minister was welcomed by Head of Islamic Culture and Relations Organization Mohammad-Mehdi Imanipour at Imam Khomeini Airport on Thursday night.

Imanipour expressed satisfaction with the appropriate cultural relations between Iraq and Iran, saying that the two neighboring countries pursue fruitful ties.

The Iranian official went on to say that the Iranian nation feels close relations with the Iraqis and are to enhance cultural interactions.

The member of the Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution also expressed hope that the trip by the Iraqi minister will be a turning point to upgrade bilateral relations, and that the two sides can reach promising agreements.

For his part, Hassan Nazim referred to historical and ancient ties, as well as religious and cultural commonalities, between the two nations, saying that development of cultural relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran is of great significance for Iraq, because such a close relationship can help both governments to pave the way for further cooperation.

Given the fact that there are historical background and cultural kinship, the cultural relations should expand in different arenas, the minister noted.

Since there are numerous opportunities and capacities to expand cultural ties, the serious will of both countries will help deepen the relations in this respect, he added.

The Iraqi minister, heading a high-ranking delegation, is visiting Iran to hold talks with Iranian cultural officials and visit holy cities of Qom and Mashad in order to meet with Islamic scholars.

Nazim is scheduled to visit the Iranian Resistance Museum, National Museum of Iran, Museum of Fine Arts and Saadabad Historical Complex all in Tehran.

Some other officials such as Iraqi Ambassador to Tehran Nasir Abdul Mohsen Abdullah and Iranian cultural attach� to Baghdad Gholamreza Abazari took part in the official welcoming ceremony of the Iraqi minister.

 

 

By IRNA�