** IRAN DAILY
-- Iran’s trade with India reaches $510m in January–March
Figures by India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry show that trade between Iran and the South Asian nation reached $510 million in the first quarter of 2023.
The figures demonstrated a 24% decrease compared to the same period last year, when the total volume of trade between the two countries stood at $678 million.
-- Iran-OIC annual trade surpasses $59b
Iran’s trade with member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), excluding crude oil exports, reached 97.33 million tons, worth $59.73 billion, in fiscal 2022-23 (ended March 20).
The Iran-OIC annual trade registered a 2.8% fall in terms of weight, but a 13.56% rise in value, compared with the corresponding period of last year.
-- Iran, EAEU to sign free trade zone deal by yearend
The Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) has completed a substantive discussion of all the provisions of an agreement to set up a free trade zone with Iran so that the document can be signed by the end of 2023, according to Andrey Slepnev, the EAEU minister of trade.
He said that negotiations on the agreement have been completed and it will be available for signing in the coming months, according to IRNA. Slepnev was quoted by Belarus Today on Monday that the date for the signing of the agreement to set up a free trade zone with Iran will be determined by the presidents of the EAEU members.
** KAYHAN INTERNATIONAL
-- Iranians Mark National Day of Ferdowsi
Ordibehesht 25 in the Iranian calendar corresponding with May 15 is the National Commemoration Day of the renowned poet Ferdowsi, the influential Persian poet and author of the Persian epic, the Shahnameh.
A commemoration ceremony was held at Tous Cultural Complex near the tomb of the great poet, with a group of people and officials in attendance.
-- Pakistani President Hails Iran-Saudi Reconciliation
Pakistani President Arif Alvi has hailed the wisdom of Iran and Saudi Arabia to resume diplomatic relations, saying the reconciliation and peace agreement reached between the two countries will be recorded in history.
In a Tuesday note, Alvi pointed to the intensification of political tensions in Pakistan and said all Pakistani factions must make a revision in their thoughts in an effort to restore peace and calm to the country.
-- Iran Rank 3rd in ISSF World Cup
Iran’s team ranked third by grabbing 2 medals in the ISSF World Cup Baku 2023, Azerbaijan. Iran’s Sajad Poorhosseini claimed a gold medal in the men’s 10-meter air pistol and Haniyeh Rostamiyan won a silver medal in 25m pistol women of the ISSF World Cup Baku 2023, Azerbaijan.
China and India stood in first and second places respectively.
Dozens of male and female sports shooters are taking part in rifle and pistol contests of the tournament. The 2023 ISSF World Cup started in Baku on May 8 and wrapped up on May 15.
** TEHRAN TIMES
-- Iran parliamentary delegation heads to Bahrain
An Iranian parliamentary delegation left Tehran on Monday for Manama to take part in a regional parliamentary conference. The Iranian delegation is led by Ali Alizadeh, who is a member of the Iranian Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee. In the Bahraini capital, the Iranian team will take part in a meeting of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA).
The meeting is organized by APA’s economic and sustainable development committee, according to Tasnim.
-- Iran, FAO launch technical cooperation program on dryland farming
The first technical cooperation program (TCP) between the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Ministry of Agriculture was launched with the aim of increasing the productivity of dryland farming in the northwest of the country. Funded by FAO, the joint project is designed for targeted support of food security, sustainable agriculture, and rural development, IRNA reported.
Over the last 11 years, the average area under dryland farming in the country was about 5.45 million hectares, of which around 3.7 million hectares were under wheat cultivation.
-- Beholding majestic mountains of Tehran: a hiker’s Paradise
Tehran's surroundings are blessed with beautiful natural attractions and countryside landscapes such as several parks, lakes and mountains, each offering a unique experience to visitors. Damavand, the country’s highest peak standing at 5,610 meters above sea level, provides excellent opportunities for camping, hiking, and climbing for adventure seekers.
Another popular destination near the Iranian capital is Lavasan, a town surrounded by the Alborz Mountains. It is covered with beautiful greenery and is known for its breathtaking landscapes, waterfalls, and canyons. Lavasan is an ideal place for hiking and biking. The town is a popular destination for those seeking a break from the chaos of urban life in Tehran.
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