Iran's Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance Seyyed Mohammad Husseini inaugurated Iran's cultural week in the Lebanese capital, Beirut.

IBNA: According to the public relations department of the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance, the cultural event opened in Beirut on Monday in the presence of Seyyed Mohammad Hosseini.

Moreover Ghazanfar Roknabadi, Iran's ambassador to Lebanon, Lebanese Minister of Culture Gaby Layoun as well as a number of officials and artists from the two countries attended the event.

During the ceremony Lebanese Minister of Culture Gaby Layoun delivered a short speech saying:" We are proud to host one of the richest cultures as well as the Culture Minister of Islamic Republic of Iran."

Throughout the history, Iran and Lebanon have achieved a rich culture and civilization, he said and added:" We have decided to hold Lebanon's cultural week in Iran as well."

It is very important for us to have cultural ties with a nation that supported the resistance of Lebanon against Israel, he added.

In other news, Iran's Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance pointed out to Lebanon's participation in different Iranian festivals and occasions including the fairs of books, films, media and music saying:" We should try to boost such ties."

In his speech Hosseini added that culture is the only means which could defeat the negative aspects of relationships among countries.

He than talked about the Lebanese books which were rendered into Persian as well as theses which exist in Iranian universities about Lebanon and added:" The matter indicates Iran's presence in Lebanon and we shouldn’t be surprised to learn that Iran's Supreme Leader, during the early years of his literary and cultural life, had translated a book of noted Lebanese author Khalil Gibran."

Moreover the translation of Persian poetries into Arabic by Lebanese poets and professors reveals the interest of Lebanon in Saadi, Hafez, Khayyam as well as other Iranian poets.

The cultural week includes an exhibition of artistic works including 3D photos of Iranian historical sites.

The photo display includes images of several historical sites in Iran such as the tomb of Persian poet Hafez, Vakil Bath and Bazaar, Persepolis and Eram Garden.

Visitors will also have the chance to see Persian arts such as calligraphy and traditional handicrafts while enjoying live traditional music performances.

The event will also feature recitations of the Holy Quran, presentations of Iranian scientific achievements and virtual tours.

Id : 142082