Iran and Japan have started their diplomatic ties from some 90 years ago, said Salehi, adding that it is 60 years since the two countries have inked their first cultural Memorandum of Understanding.
Touching upon the potentials of Iran in cinema, music, visual arts and dramatic literature disciplines, the Iranian minister highlighted that increased cultural ties will prepare the grounds for further introducing civilizations of two nations to each other.
Japan’s embassy in Tehran have so far organized appropriate cultural programs, Salehi said, adding, “we are ready to continue cooperation in this regard.”
He went on to say that Japan’s participation in Tehran International Book Fair as a special guest creates an ample opportunity for further cementing cultural ties.
Kobayashi, for his part, said that Iran and Japan have long historical and cultural ties and many Iranian products have entered Japan through the Silk Road.
A special working group on sports and culture have been established since 2015 after the Japanese Foreign Minister visit to Tehran, he said, adding that the second session of this working group was held in 2017 where the officials of the two countries discussed ways to promote cooperation in these areas.
Iran’s Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance has a wide range of cultural, artistic and literary activities and we need its guidance on how to promote cultural relations between the two countries, the Japanese envoy added.
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