** IRAN DAILY
-- IKIA to become air transportation hub in Mideast
Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKIA) will turn into a new air transportation hub in the Middle East, the chief executive of Chinese Hakan Company said.
Emphasizing that China’s cooperation with Iran is “unshakable and unwavering,” Hui Ka Yan stated that the development project of IKIA, in cooperation with the Khatam al-Anbiya Construction Headquarters, will become a role model for the development of the Silk Road.
-- Start-ups showcasing achievements in Iran Metafo 2023
The 20th edition of Iran’s international metallurgy exhibition entitled “Iran Metafo 2023” was inaugurated in Tehran on Friday.
The four-day expo covers a wide range of products and services related to the metallurgy industry, with a focus on iron and steel products, mining industries, non-ferrous metals, copper, aluminum, zinc, casting, molding, machining, forging, refractories, and heat treatment.
-- Iran, Indonesia ink agreement for academic collaboration
The State Islamic Institute of Kerinci in Indonesia and the Iranian Embassy in Jakarta signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to promote scientific and academic cooperation. The MoU was signed by the rector of the Indonesian institute H. Asa’ari, and Mohammadreza Ebrahimi, the cultural attaché of Iran in Indonesia.
** KAYHAN INTERNATIONAL
-- Navy to Hold Joint Drills in Indian Ocean
Iran’s Navy chief Rear Admiral Shahram Irani says his force plans to hold two joint naval exercises with foreign military forces in the northern tip of the Indian Ocean within the next few months.
Irani told reporters at a press briefing here that the Iranian naval forces will stage a naval rescue and relief exercise with the Sultanate of Oman, noting that other countries have been also invited to participate in the drill.
-- Bita Farrahi Passes Away
Bita Farrahi, a famous actress of Iranian cinema and television, passed away on Saturday at the age of 65. The veteran actress, one of the most famous and internationally acclaimed artists in Iran, had been hospitalized for several weeks due to illness.
Her talent as an actress was found by director Darius Mehrjui. She began her acting career with Hamoun in 1989. She is most noted for willingness to play the roles of intellectual, independent women who are struggling with family and psychological problems.
--- Minister: China to Invest €2bn in Constructing IKIA’s Phase II
Iran’s Minister of Roads and Urban Development Mehrdad Bazrpash on Saturday said that China will invest €2 billion for the construction operation of the second phase of the Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKIA).
Speaking at the ground-breaking ceremony of the construction project of the second phase of the Imam Khomeini Airport City, Bazrpash described it as one of the most important, strategic and largest development projects in the country. The roads minister called on the private sector activists to assist the ministry in implementing the project.
** TEHRAN TIMES
-- SATBA, INIF ink MOU to pay $6m of facilities to renewable energy small-scale projects
Iran’s Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Organization (known as SATBA) and Iran National Innovation Fund (INIF) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for paying 3 trillion rials (about $6 million) of facilities to small-scale projects in the field of renewable energy.
The MOU was inked by SATBA Head Mahmoud Kamani and INIF Managing Director Mohammad-Sadeq Khayatian in a ceremony at the place of SATBA on Saturday.
-- Time to reconnect with Iran’s travel gems
Welcome to the realm of responsible tourism in Iran, where holidaymakers are not mere spectators but active participants. Here, like many other countries, beneath the surface lies an escalating movement in travel that adds respect and preservation to leisure.
Experts say that nowadays a growing number of visitors are not only captivated by the ornate mosques of Isfahan or the ancient ruins of Persepolis but are also committed to leaving a positive impact on local communities and the environments they encounter.
-- Zob Ahan, Esteghlal share spoils: PGPL
Zob Ahan and Esteghlal football teams shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw in the 2023/24 Iran’s Persian Gulf Pro League (PGPL) on Saturday. Armin Sohrabian gave the visiting team a lead in the 62nd minute but Zob Ahan midfielder Majid Aliyari’s shot deflected off Mehdi Mehdipour into back of net in the 76th minute in Isfahan’s Fooladshahr Stadium.
Earlier in the day, Tractor defeated Foolad 2-0 in Tabriz and Shams Azar were held to a 1-1 draw by Gol Gohar. Esteghlal lead the table with 23 points, four points above Malavan and Zob Ahan.
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