Iran’s Presidential Advisor Mohammad Nahavandian said Iran-Russia cultural ties are important for establishment of peace and tranquility in the world, IRNA reported.

In a panel discussion on Iran-Russia cultural ties and its impact on Islamic world on Saturday, Nahavandian described the prospect of the bilateral ties ’good’ which should be used properly.

The panel discussion was held in the framework of International Conference of “Iran and Russia, Dialogue among Civilizations” under auspices of the Russian Presidential Office.

Stressing that three years have passed since the signing of cultural cooperation agreement between Iran and Russia, Nahavandian called for the evaluation of its outcome.
President’s advisor said the world situation is abnormal and full of tension adding, “In this situation, Iran-Russia relations can contribute to the peace in the world.”

He went on to say Iran and Russia can cooperate in three national, regional and international levels for which mutual understanding and relations are necessary.

Nahavandian set forth proposals for expansion of cultural ties between the two countries including; doing joint research projects in the higher education institutes, exchanging university professors and students, holding cultural days in the scientific centers and displaying art and constructive movies in both countries television networks.

Iran’s embassy cultural attache in Russia Mehdi Eimanipour was another participants in the panel discussion who emphasized the necessity of bilateral cultural cooperation between Iran and Russia.

Referring to the beginning of the work of the Russian Strategic Viewpoints and the Islamic World Group, the Iranian cultural attache said, “Experienced experts are working in the group and are trying to find ways to solve existing problems and expand ties of Russia and Islamic world.”

He said Russia’s intention to develop ties with the Islamic world has various internal and external reasons.

Internally, 20 mln Muslims living in Russia is an important factor and the weakening of the US and the west positions in the Islamic world, is a good opportunity for Russia to expand its presence among world Muslims, and in this concern Iran can be a good help to Russia.

Another speaker in the panel discussion was Iran’s Deputy of Culture and Islamic Guidance minister Mohammad Hadi Homayoun, who emphasized Iran’s increasing intention on dialogue with the Russian Orthodox Christianity.

He said, “By creating cultural studies courses and implementing joint research projects, the experts from Iran and Russia try to get acquainted more with both countries.”

Professor Alexander Logonov from Russia State University criticized both Iran and Russian text books and said, “Information about Iran and Russia is not sufficient and even unfriendly which does not conform with existing relations.”

He suggested that expertise groups of both countries cooperate in compiling text books.

The Russian professor also called for displaying of TV programs and movies about Muslims and Christians.

Sadeq Haqiqat, a professor from Mofid University in Qom, proposed exchanging university students and experts and holding cultural exhibitions to promote cultural cooperation.

Jahangir Dorri, a writer and a professor in Russian Military Academy also presented 3 proposals in this concern.

The proposals included, Considering information on Iran and Russia in their history text books, translating Iran’s contemporary novels in Asian and Africa Magazines and printing Russian and Persian literary books in both countries.

International conference titled “Iran, Russia, Dialogue among Civilizations” wrapped up its works Saturday after two-day discussions and exchange of views.

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