Iran's ambassador to China, Iranian and Chinese cultural officials, as well as university scholars attended the inaugural ceremony.
Iranian Ambassador to China Fereydoun Verdinejad in his inaugural address said that cultural relations between the two states started thousands of years ago, through one of the most important land routes for commercial trade, the Silk Road connecting China in the east, via Iran, with the Roman Empire in the west. It was because of this ancient route that Iran and China played an important role in the cultural and commercial developments of the region.
He added, "In today's modern world, dialogue among civilizations and understanding and acknowledging other cultures by holding such expositions is the key to stability and peace in the region."
Tianjin, an autonomous municipality in northern China in Hebei Province, near Beijing, is a major port and industrial center. The Ancient Culture Street in the old town is a showcase of local arts and crafts. The city also has several Buddhist temples located in picturesque areas and is home to Tianjin University.
GN/HG