RA Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Zhanna Andreasyan received today the delegation headed by the President of the Islamic Culture and Relations Organization of the Islamic Republic of Iran Mohammad Mehdi Imanipour.

ESCS Deputy Ministers Arthur Martirosyan, Alfred Kocharyan and Daniel Danielyan, and Iranian Ambassador to Armenia Mehdi Sobhani also attended the meeting.

As part of the visit, the program on “Cultural Cooperation between the Republic of Armenia and the Islamic Republic of Iran for 2024-2027” was signed to enhance cooperation in the field of culture and creativity. On the Armenian side, the program was signed by ESCS Deputy Minister Arthur Martirosyan.

Welcoming the guests, Minister Zhanna Andreasyan emphasized the significance of collaboration between Armenia and Iran in various fields and expressed willingness to enhance it. Emphasizing the significance of the program on “Cultural Cooperation between the Republic of Armenia and the Islamic Republic of Iran for 2024-2027”, Zhanna Andreasyan highlighted that cultural collaboration has a unique place in the bilateral ties between Armenia and Iran.

“I am sure that the signing of this Program in the upcoming years will provide an opportunity to further expand relations and foster collaboration between various structures, individual artists and creative groups, participation in international cultural events hosted in both countries and the establishment of direct ties and exchange of experience,” said Zhanna Andreasyan emphasizing the crucial role of the embassies of both countries in fostering relations.

The ESCS Minister referred to the successful collaboration between the Armenian “Golden Apricot” and the Iranian "Fajr" film festivals, where films from both countries are screened. Zhanna Andreasyan informed that a number of legislative changes have been implemented in the film industry, in particular, the possibility of a cash rebate of up to 40% has been set, for joint film production, which may also foster collaboration in the field.

The Minister emphasized the importance of collaboration in preserving written heritage, highlighting the successful partnership with the Matenadaran.

President of the Islamic Culture and Relations Organization of the Islamic Republic of Iran Mohammad Mehdi Imanipour expressed his gratitude for the reception and noted that he was very impressed with his first visit to Armenia. He expressed confidence that there is much more potential for bilateral cooperation in various areas. Mohammad Mehdi Imanipour emphasized the significance of the Armenian Government's program of teaching regional languages at various education levels.

“After meeting with the students studying Persian, I was certain that they would contribute to the continuation of centuries-old friendship and the expansion of relations between the two countries. The positive attitude of the two friendly nations towards each other is obvious. I believe there is still more to be done to raise awareness,” said the President of the Islamic Culture and Relations Organization of the Islamic Republic of Iran Mohammad Mehdi Imanipour.

Various other issues related to further strengthening Armenia-Iran relations in education and science and expanding cooperation agendas in different fields were considered during the meeting.