RA Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Zhanna Andreasyan received today the delegation led by Seyed Reza Salehi Amiri, Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

RA ESCS Deputy Minister Alfred Kocharyan also attended the meeting.

Seyed Reza Salehi Amiri is included in the delegation of the IRI President Masoud Pezeshkian on his official visit to Armenia. Welcoming her Iranian counterpart, Zhanna Andreasyan emphasized the significance of the Iranian President’s visit to Armenia, expressing confidence that it will further strengthen the centuries-old friendship and collaboration between Armenia and Iran, and foster the implementation of new cultural initiatives.

The meeting discussed issues related to the organization of a jubilee concert dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Armenian National Philharmonic Orchestra, to be held at the Persepolis complex in Iran. The ESCS Minister emphasized that this is an exceptional event and will contribute not only to the popularization of Armenia's cultural heritage but also to the strengthening of friendly relations between Armenia and Iran.

The ESCS Minister also highlighted the significance of the initiative to establish an Armenian corner at the National Library of Iran, featuring books on Armenia’s history and culture. Soon, the ESCS Ministry, through the mediation of the RA Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will transfer 15 titles of books to the National Library of Iran to be presented at the opening of the Armenian corner.

The significance of cooperation in the field of cinema was also emphasized, taking into account the shared history and the specific features of the sector’s development. Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts of the Islamic Republic of Iran Seyed Reza Salehi expressed gratitude for the reception and emphasized the expansion of cultural ties, in particular, in the context of enhancing friendly relations between the two peoples.

The parties also considered promising the possibilities of forming expeditions with the involvement of specialists from both countries, conducting excavations and, accordingly, exchanging experience. Particular importance was attached to cooperation in the field of Armenian and Iranian cultural heritage, especially regarding the preservation and promotion of monuments as important tourist sites.

Emphasizing the significant potential for expanding cultural cooperation, the parties also discussed opportunities to submit a joint application to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List, organize exhibitions, and implement joint programs in the museum sector.

Other issues of mutual interest were also addressed during the meeting.