Iran and Tajikistan Discuss Expansion of Cultural Cooperation at St. Petersburg Forum

St. Petersburg, The Gulf Observer: Iranian Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance, Abbas Salehi, held bilateral talks with his Tajik counterpart, Matlubakhon Sattoriyon, on the sidelines of the 11th St. Petersburg International United Cultures Forum at the Catherine Palace in Tsarskoye Selo, south of St. Petersburg, Russia, on Saturday.

Salehi, who is attending the multilateral international event, emphasized the deep cultural connections between Iran and Tajikistan, noting that both countries share a wealth of common traditions and values. “Both countries share numerous cultural bonds, making it fitting to plan joint initiatives,” he stated.

He proposed the organization of joint cultural events, including contests and award ceremonies focused on Naqqali and the recitation of the Shahnameh, which hold significant historical and cultural value in both nations.

Minister Sattoriyon welcomed the proposal and expressed appreciation for the continued support of Iran’s Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance, particularly in the publication of the Shahnameh.

The two ministers also reviewed recent agreements reached during Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s official visit to Dushanbe, with discussions centered on enhancing bilateral cultural exchanges and deepening cooperation between Iran and Tajikistan.