During the signing ceremony of the joint statement of cooperation between the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People's Republic of China held via a video conference, Talebian said that an effective step will be taken towards deepening bilateral ties and strengthening joint cultural cooperation, as well as protecting cultural heritage and developing sustainable increase between Iran and China, by this initiative and constant cooperation between the two states.
The Iranian deputy minister added that the strengthening of joint cultural activities between the two states must happen by holding conferences and workshops between experts and cultural heritage specialists in the field of conservation and restoration of cultural and historical monuments.
It is an opportunity to exchange information and share experiences in the context of tangible and intangible heritage and to achieve mutual interests to both states, he noted.
Talebian further noted that holding museum exhibitions and providing the necessary infrastructure for specialized meetings in the field of conservation and restoration of cultural and historical objects, cooperation in sharing mutual experiences in the field of underwater archaeology, and holding an exhibition of cultural and historical objects resulting from exploring the Silk Road route can be another cultural activity to develop relations between the two states and other Asian countries.
Iran's Ambassador to Beijing Mohammad Keshavarz-zadeh also attended this ceremony.
He said that there are signs of cooperation between Iran and China as a common cultural heritage, including the Silk Road Caravanserai built during the Safavid era in Iran.
The two countries have suitable experiences and knowledge in the field of restoration, archaeology, and conservation of historical monuments, he added.
He pointed out that they hope that they will witness joint cultural events between the two states on the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Iran and China, for this purpose they have considered a variety of programs such as holding a mutual dedicated exhibition of museum works.
Iran and China on Saturday signed a joint statement which is expected to pave the way for further protection in the arena of Asian cultural heritage.
The joint statement was signed by Mohammad-Hassan Talebian and Chinese director of the National Cultural Heritage Administration Li Qun in the presence of the head of China Affairs Department in Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs Abolfazl Olamaie-Far, in the Fajr Hall of the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts via videoconference.
Translated by Amin Mohammadzadegan Khoyi
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