Iran, Italy Discuss Promotion of Cultural Cooperation

In a meeting between Deputy Head of Iran’s Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization (ICHHTO) Mohammad Hassan Talebian and Italian Ambassador to Tehran Luca Giansanti on Saturday, the two sides discussed expansion of cooperation on museums, carpets and Iranian traditional costumes.

Describing the pace of cooperation as positive, the Italian ambassador underlined the need to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on museum cooperation.

Earlier this month, the former Italian Minister of Heritage, Cultural Activity and Tourism Massimo Bray, in an interview, said that Iranian culture and civilization is unique and unparalleled in the world.

When Massimo Bray visited Iran in January this year, he was a member of the Italian cabinet and the second Italian minister after the Foreign Minister Emma Bonino who  traveld to Iran in the last 10 years. However, following the resignation of Enrico Letta as the Prime Minister and the reshuffling of the cabinet, he was automatically removed from his post and replaced by Dario Franceschini in the Matteo Renzi cabinet.

Massimo Bray came to Iran to broaden and expand the cultural ties between Italy and Iran, the two countries that have historically maintained close and amicable ties. Mr. Bray was thrilled with his experience of visiting the tourism magnets and cultural attractions of Iran and said that Iran’s contributions to the world culture have been outstandingly important and indispensable. He traveled to different Iranian cities such as Isfahan, Kashan and Kerman and took a tour of the historical buildings and attractions of these cities.

“I believe that whoever will have – as I’ve had – the opportunity of visiting Iran couldn’t possibly disagree with me about Iran’s cultural, historical identity history being one of the most important of the world. Iranian civilization has had a huge impact on the history of mankind,” said Massimo Bray.