Iran calls for dialogue of religions, civilizations, cultures

Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance Ali Jannati said on Monday that Iran calls for proximity of religions and dialogue of civilizations and cultures as well as an international campaign against terrorism and violence.

Jannati made the remarks in a 9th conference of the ministers of culture from Islamic countries in Muscat, Oman.

The Islamic Republic of Iran has spared no effort to fight violence, terrorism and Takfiri terrorists, he said.

Referring to Palestine and the holy Quds, he said Iran has made great strides to support the Palestinians and defend the identity of the holy Quds though publication and promotion of the teachings of the holy Koran.

The Islamic Republic of Iran has always supported the cause of Palestine and liberation of the holy Quds, underlined the minister.

The enemies of Islam seek to sow discord, and promote superstition, backwardness of nations and blind ethnical disputes, he said.

Cooperation among Islamic states at this very sensitive juncture is not merely an option, it is an obligation, he said.

Unfortunately, during this year’s Hajj pilgrimage there were two very painful incidents claiming the lives of thousands of pilgrims which require sound management, Jannati said.

Jannati also welcomed a decision by the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) to designate the city of Mashhad in northeastern Iran as the cultural capital of Muslim World in 2017.

“I would like to seize the opportunity and invite ministers of Islamic countries and all Muslims to visit the holy city,” he said.